Orlando City Soccer season opener: What to know if you’re heading to the match

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City Soccer fans are ready for the first match of the season.

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The team will raise its U.S. Open Cup Championship banner Saturday night.

Here are some things you should know if you attend the evening match.

When it is

The match will start at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

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Where it is

The team will take the pitch at Exploria Stadium for their opening day. Fans can watch it using the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and listen to it with Real Radio 104.1 FM in English and Acción 97.9 FM in Spanish.

See a map of the location below:

Opponent

Orlando City will face off against the New York Red Bulls.

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Bag policy

Exploria Stadium officials said that to help move security checkpoints along faster, they recommend you don’t bring a bag.

But small bags are accepted, as long as they are no larger than 4.5 inches high and 6.5 inches wide. Click here to review the full bag policy.

Road closures

The following roads will remain closed throughout the match and will not reopen until about 45 minutes to 1 hour after the final whistle.

• Central Boulevard from Westmoreland Drive to Glenn Lane
• Church Street from Westmoreland Drive to Glenn Lane
• Church Street from Glenn Lane to S. Terry Avenue Road
• Church Street from S. Terry Avenue to S. Division Avenue Road
• Glenn Lane from Church Street to Central Boulevard Road

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Significance

According to a release, Orlando City has never lost a home opener through its eight seasons in Major League Soccer.

Also, the team said the Lions have never opened a season on the road in nine years in MLS.

Orlando City will have ten new players this year.

Video: Businesses expect Orlando’s pro-sports weekend to boost traffic, sales (WFTV)

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