4. Debut of Orlando City Stadium (New York City FC @ Orlando City SC)
Orlando City Stadium, the all new soccer-specific stadium in Orlando, Florida, will be making its’ MLS debut as Orlando City SC hosts New York City FC.
The 25,500 capacity stadium will be home to the “Purple Wall”, a large, steep-standing section at the end of the stadium that will serve as the first safe-standing section in any MLS stadium. Orlando City SC recently revealed a section of 49 seats that form the colors of the rainbow flag in honor of the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, the deadliest mass shooting in American history.
That’s not to say the stadium is the only story going in to the Opening-Weekend game. Orlando City SC head coach Jason Kreiss will be opening the 2017 season in a match against the his former club, and the 2016 league MVP: New York City FC and Spanish-striker David Villa.