In an effort to encourage supporters to use public transportation options on game day, Orlando City Soccer Club players and coaching staff will travel to the Orlando Citrus Bowl in a Lynx bus for their inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) match up against New York City FC on March 8.
The Lions will arrive at approximately 3:30 p.m. ET at Orlando City's Fan Zone. Supporters are encouraged to high-five players and welcome them to the stadium as they come off the Orlando City wrapped buses.
"The players, coaching staff and front office cannot wait to see our supporters 'own' the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Sunday," said Orlando City President and Founder Phil Rawlins. "We doubt many sports teams have arrived in public transportation on game day, but we truly believe and encourage our fans to take advantage of the options they have to savor this historic moment in the most efficient, responsible and safe way."
From parking areas around downtown, LYNX will provide game day connections to the Orlando Citrus Bowl. Also there will be added service on the LYMMO Grapefruit and Orange lines.
This strategic partnership is a culmination of discussions that began spring of 2014, when Orlando City unveiled its new logo in various art forms around the City Beautiful - including a Lynx bus wrap.
With an expected crowd of over 62,000 fans as part of Operation #FillTheBowl - everyone is encouraged to arrive early. Fan Fest-featuring entertainment, live music, food, a beer garden, a kids' zone and other festivities-will start at 2 p.m. ET along Rio Grande Avenue on the east side of the Orlando Citrus Bowl. Gates will open at 3 p.m. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. A complete transportation map can be found here.
Orlando City will host several events leading up to March 8 as part of Operation #FillTheBowl, including Purple Pride 5K on Thursday, March 5; Soccer Under the Stars on Friday, March 6 and Record Breaking Pub Crawl on Saturday, March 7.