Citrus Bowl - Orlando City F.C - 2012
The Citrus Bowl is close to downtown Orlando and although it can hold 70,000 people (normally for concerts and College Football) there were closer to 2000 people in the stadium to see Orlando City play Richmond Kickers (I have no idea...).
The ground is showing it's age now. It hosted 6 games during the 1994 world cup and it looks like it hasn't been changed since. Due to Florida's generous weather the Stadium has no roof on any of the three stands (one open end for concerts) and the concourses and staircases are all open to try and keep the place cool!
Best thing about soccer in America? Beer! Not so much the price or the quality but the fact I was sat watching the game I love, LIVE, with a can of cold beer. It was pure magic. Worst aspect? The word 'Hooligan' has translated badly from one band of wankers to another. They have two groups of fans called 'Ultras' (fine by me, a lot of clubs have started this as a moniker for colourful fans) and a group called 'Hooligans' which they appear to think means the same thing. Oh dear...
The game ended 0-0 which suited me (although it is the furthest i've travelled for a goaless draw) but you could see why the game may not catch on in the state. Low scoring and no overtime for a draw. Florida would definitely benefit from a MLS franchise, especially with all the expats. There is an increasing market for the game and given time, Orlando City in the MLS would be extremely popular and possibly rival New York Red Bull and L.A Galaxy. They just need to stop giving teams such terrible names.
With this visit to Florida it was also evident just how much more popular football has become. Most American fans in the state seem to follow Chelsea at the moment and I saw blue kits everywhere! This will probably change to light blue when I return in 2013!
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