Orlando City announces matches open to fan attendance at limited capacity

LAKE MARY, Fla. - Orlando City SC on Wednesday announced three upcoming home matches that fans will be allowed to attend.

Exploria Stadium, which normally holds 25,500 fans, will be open to a limited number of fans, as the Lions host Nashville SC, Atlanta United, and Inter Miami CF in Phase One of Major League Soccer’s continuation of play schedule.

While fans will have the opportunity to return to Exploria Stadium, the venue will operate at a reduced capacity in order to follow social distancing guidelines. All fans will be required to wear masks when inside the venue, amongst other safety measures.

Key information on fans’ return to Exploria Stadium and a guide on game day protocols can be found on the Know Before You Go section on the club's website.

Fans said they are excited about the chance to attend as are area business owners, who have been hurting since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. They said they are looking forward to the potential surge in business.

The owner of the Flamingo Deli Shop told FOX 35 News that business has been dead and he wasn't sure how much longer he could stay open without the customers that frequent his shop during the games.

For those unable to attend in person, City’s Sept. 5 game against Atlanta United will be broadcast nationally on FOX 35 and Fox Deportes, while the Club’s remaining two home matches against Nashville and Inter Miami will be aired locally on FOX 35 Plus.

City hosts Nashville on Wednesday, Aug. 26 (7:30 p.m. ET), Atlanta on Saturday, Sept. 5 (8 p.m. ET), and Inter Miami on Saturday, Sept. 12 (7:30 p.m. ET).

The complete, six-game phase one schedule can be found here.