By Official Florida FC
The Orlando Pride’s quest to breakthrough the cluttered soccer landscape took a massive step forward on Tuesday when the club announced that it will participate in the inaugural Daytona Soccer Fest this July.
The Pride will host Racing Louisville FC at Daytona International Speedway on July 3. The match will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the Daytona Soccer Fest and equally excited to bring an official NWSL match to Daytona Beach, Florida,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman in a statement.
“This truly one-of-a-kind event will be a special experience for both the players and our fans, and we couldn’t be more excited to have one of the most iconic and renowned sports venues in the world as a backdrop to showcase our game.”
Daytona International Speedway has hosted football games, high school graduations, concerts and, of course, motorsports events. But, this will be the first time the facility has hosted soccer.
The Pride will almost assuredly set the NWSL single-game attendance mark.
The OL Reign set the NWSL attendance record in August 2021 when it attracted 27,248 during a 2-1 win over the Portland Thorns at Lumen Field. That match was the first match in a doubleheader with the Seattle Sounders.
This year’s Daytona Soccer Fest features a derby between reigning Columbian Categoria Premera A champions Deportivo Cali facing America de Cali in a friendly; a legends game that will feature former World Cup champion David Trezeguet, Argentines Javier Mascherano and Juan Sebastian Veron as well as others.
“We’re excited to bring this incredible match experience to both our players and our fans. The NWSL and women’s soccer continue to grow each day, and we’re happy to be part of this historic opportunity to showcase our club, our players and our league at one of the most iconic venues in American sports,” Orlando Pride Chairman Mark Wilf said in a statement released by the club. “It’s an honor for our club and league to continue to lead the charge for women’s professional soccer and to elevate our players with this marquee matchup at Daytona Soccer Fest.”
