The Orlando Pride will face off against Seattle Reign FC at Inter & Co Stadium on November 2, 2024, marking the annual Fan Appreciation Night sponsored by Publix, an event dedicated to celebrating the team’s supporters.
The match will not only determine the Pride’s standing in the league but also offer fans exclusive giveaways and interactive experiences as part of the appreciation festivities. Fan Appreciation Night has become a staple event, further strengthening the community’s bond with the team.
As part of the Pride’s commitment to its supporters, the event provides fans with a memorable experience both on and off the field. With Publix sponsoring the event, fans will have access to exclusive offers and giveaways, enhancing the already electric atmosphere in what promises to be an unforgettable night of soccer and celebration.
For the Orlando Pride, Fan Appreciation Night is about more than just celebrating a successful season—it’s about strengthening the connection between the team and its community.
According to Shaquille Scott, Integrated Marketing Manager for Orlando City Soccer, the team invests in fan engagement through strategic marketing and thoughtful events. “Fan feedback is essential for our club,” Scott said. “We base not just our marketing efforts but also the overall fan experience on the feedback we receive. Post-match surveys help us gauge satisfaction, and events like Fan Appreciation Night are designed to thank our supporters for their dedication.”
The Pride, established in 2016, has steadily built a strong following in Orlando, with an average home attendance of 6,005 during the 2023 season, according to Soccer Stadium Digest. Inter & Co Stadium, with a seating capacity of 25,000, is renowned for its intense atmosphere, especially in “The Wall,” North America’s first safe-standing supporters’ section, according to the stadium’s official website.
For the fans, especially local students like Gabriela Castro, a Valencia College student and avid Pride supporter, Fan Appreciation Night offers a deeper connection to the team and a memorable experience that goes beyond the game itself.
“Fan Appreciation Night is special to me because it’s a chance to feel even more connected to the team I admire,” Castro said. “As a mom of two, I love bringing my kids along, so they can experience the excitement of the game and see strong women athletes in action.”
Events like this not only draw long-time supporters, but also help build new fans by offering a welcoming and exciting environment for the community. Castro, who regularly attends games with her children, emphasized that these events create lasting memories for her family and foster a sense of belonging within the local soccer community.
“It’s a night where we, the fans, get to be celebrated, which makes it feel extra personal and meaningful,” Castro continued. “It strengthens our connection to the team and shows us that the players and organization truly value their supporters.”
Fan involvement is further amplified by supporter groups like the Black Swans Drinking Club, one of the key fan groups for the Pride. Lisa Simmons, leader of the Black Swans, highlighted how Fan Appreciation Night offers a unique opportunity for supporter groups to connect with casual and long-time fans alike.
“Events like Fan Appreciation Night definitely encourage more involvement,” Simmons said. “It’s a great way for us to recruit new members and deepen the relationship between fans and the club.”
As the Orlando Pride prepare for their final home match of the regular season, Fan Appreciation Night will celebrate the unwavering support of the Orlando community. For many fans, this event is a highlight of the year—a night when the connection between the players, the club, and the community is at its strongest.
