Exploria Stadium: The Heart of Soccer in Orlando

Exploria Stadium is one of the most exciting soccer venues in the United States. Located in Orlando, Florida, it is home to Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride. With a passionate fan base, modern design, and world-class facilities, this stadium has become a fortress for soccer in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

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A Stadium with Purpose

Exploria Stadium officially opened in 2017, built specifically for soccer. Unlike many stadiums that host multiple sports, this venue was designed to create the best possible soccer experience. From the start, it was meant to be a soccer-first stadium, and that focus has paid off. The stadium was privately funded, a rare feat in American sports. This allowed Orlando City SC to create a venue tailored to their fans and the sport. Today, it stands as one of the best soccer stadiums in the country.

A Unique Fan Experience

Exploria Stadium is known for its incredible fan atmosphere. The design brings fans close to the action, creating an intense experience. The stadium holds about 25,500 fans, making it one of the most intimate yet electric venues in MLS. One of its standout features is "The Wall." This is a safe-standing section for Orlando City's most passionate supporters. It holds about 3,800 fans and is one of the most energetic sections in all of MLS. When the game starts, The Wall leads the chants, creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. The stadium also features a canopy roof that helps trap noise. This amplifies the chants and songs, making Exploria Stadium one of the loudest soccer venues in the country. The purple seats, matching the club’s colors, add to the stadium’s distinct look.

Home to Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride

Exploria Stadium is the proud home of Orlando City SC. Since joining MLS in 2015, the club has built a strong fan base. The stadium gives them a true home-field advantage, with fans bringing energy to every match. The Orlando Pride, the city's NWSL team, also calls Exploria Stadium home. The club has been home to some of the best women’s players in the world, including Marta and Alex Morgan. Their matches bring in dedicated fans who love women’s soccer and its growing influence.

Memorable Matches at Exploria Stadium

Exploria Stadium has hosted some of the most exciting soccer matches in recent years. Some of the most memorable include:

Orlando City SC’s First Win in the Stadium (2017) – The team’s first match in their new home was a thrilling win, setting the tone for years to come.
MLS Is Back Tournament Final (2020) – During the pandemic, MLS held a unique tournament in Orlando. Exploria Stadium hosted many games, including the final.
NWSL Championship Matches – The stadium has been a major venue for women’s soccer, hosting key NWSL matches.
U.S. Men's and Women's National Team Matches – The U.S. national teams frequently play at Exploria Stadium, drawing passionate crowds.
Concacaf Champions League and Gold Cup Matches – The stadium has hosted international club and national team tournaments, further proving its world-class status.

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The Impact on Orlando Soccer Culture

Exploria Stadium has helped transform Orlando into a true soccer city. Before its opening, soccer in Florida struggled to find a lasting presence. Now, Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride have a dedicated home, creating a thriving soccer culture. The stadium’s downtown location makes it easy for fans to attend games. This has helped grow the sport in the region. Local youth players see professional soccer up close, inspiring the next generation.

A Venue for Major International Events

Exploria Stadium is not just for MLS and NWSL matches. It has become a key venue for international soccer. It has hosted multiple Gold Cup matches, featuring teams from across North America and the Caribbean. The U.S. Men's and Women's National Teams regularly play important games here, taking advantage of the loud and supportive atmosphere. In addition, the stadium has been used for Concacaf Champions League matches, bringing top club teams from North and Central America to Orlando. These events continue to put the city on the global soccer map.

Sustainability and Modern Features

Exploria Stadium was built with sustainability in mind. It was one of the first soccer-specific stadiums in the U.S. to be completely powered by renewable energy. The design includes water conservation features and energy-efficient lighting, making it an environmentally friendly venue. The stadium also offers top-tier amenities for fans. High-definition video boards, premium seating options, and excellent concessions enhance the matchday experience. The stadium’s food vendors highlight local flavors, giving fans a true taste of Orlando while they enjoy the game.

The Future of Exploria Stadium

As soccer continues to grow in the U.S., Exploria Stadium is set to play a big role. Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride are both building strong teams, and the stadium will be at the center of their future success. With more international matches and potential tournament hosting opportunities, Exploria Stadium's reputation will only rise. It is expected to be a key venue for future World Cup-related events, further boosting its importance in the soccer world. Plans for improvements and expansions could be in the works, ensuring that it remains a top-tier soccer stadium for years to come.

Conclusion

Exploria Stadium is more than just a place to watch soccer. It is a home for passionate fans, a fortress for Orlando’s teams, and a key venue for international soccer. With its electric atmosphere, modern design, and role in the growth of soccer in the U.S., it stands as one of the best stadiums in North America. As Orlando continues to embrace soccer, Exploria Stadium will remain at the heart of the action. Its legacy is already strong, and its future looks even brighter.

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