Orlando City fans check out new stadium for first time

Thousands turned out Saturday for open house

ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands of Orlando City soccer fans turned out Saturday to check out the brand new stadium.

Everywhere you looked, all you could see was the color purple. 

"Team spirit, coming out, supporting the city," Orlando City fan Mary Casmento said.

Hundreds of people participated in a 5K race Saturday morning, while even more fans took their first steps inside their new home.

"It's a very cool thing. We're going to have a European-style soccer stadium in Orlando," Orlando City fan Alena Baker said.

Construction crews are still working outside the stadium. Orlando City soccer officials say construction is on time and there will be ongoing work mainly outside through the opening.

But inside, the pitch is all ready for the Lions to take the field.

"It's wonderful. It's actually wonderful," Orlando City fan Greg Wahler said.

Fans of all ages snapped pictures of the new stadium and checked out the locker rooms. Many said they couldn't wait to take their seats for the first kickoff. 

"I'm going to be really excited to see all the players," Orlando City fan Brady Woods said.

Everyone is excited to fill the stadium with Orlando pride.

"The stadium brings us all together and it gives us a sense of being Orlando strong, just like the beginning," Baker said.

It was a new beginning for Orlando City as the doors opened and welcomed everyone home.

"It brings the community together, it gives us something to be proud of," Casmento said.

The Orlando City Lions' first home game in the new stadium is Sunday, March 5 at 5 p.m.