ORLANDO, Fla. (July 22, 2016) – Orlando City SC has announced its newest venture, a soccer pub and grill set to open Fall of 2016. Lion’s Pridewill open its doors in the hub of downtown Orlando on historic Church Street, just a short walk from the Club’s new stadium, which is set to open for the 2017 Major League Soccer and National Women’s Soccer League seasons. Rendering will be available in August.
“This is a great addition to our city. It will be a place where soccer lovers can come together with likeminded people and enjoy the great game,” said Club Founder and President Phil Rawlins. “Whether you’re a soccer fanatic, someone who is just learning to love the sport or a family looking for a good atmosphere, Lion’s Pride will be the place to go.”
Led by the architectural firm of Lingerfelt International, Lion’s Pride will boast more than 50 televisions airing men's and women’s soccer matches from around the world year-round. The North side of the building will feature a replica of City’s new stadium’s scoreboard. “The Wall” will include an impressive two-stories of televisions visible to patrons anywhere in the pub and grill.
Located at 123 West Church Street, Lion’s Pride design will be a combination of old-meets-new, as the building’s exterior and select interior elements will retain Church Street’s classic 1920s features. However, the family-friendly establishment will also embrace much of Orlando City SC’s familiar artistic soul, including graffiti walls from local artists, Club branding and a luxury, members-only VIP area.
“We are thrilled to partner with an excellent franchise, whose leadership team is dedicated to uniting Orlando’s soccer enthusiasts,” Church Street Station representative Steven Skelley said. “With the addition of Lion’s Pride to our downtown complex, Orlando City SC will not only ramp up fan excitement on game days, but will also play an integral role in the revitalization efforts of iconic Church Street Station.”
Lion’s Pride will tie-in elements from the Club’s new stadium, with memorabilia from Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride and Orlando City B. The pub and grill will feature an intimate-feeling entrance before opening into the larger dining space, eliciting the feeling players have when walking from the tunnel to the pitch.
The pub’s menu will feature traditional sports grille fare and, on game day, a flex menu will be available offering dishes reflecting Orlando City’s current opponent.
“When City is playing Kansas City, for example, we’ll have a barbecue special that evening,” Lion’s Pride investor and co-owner Gustavo Fonseca said. “This is just another way for City fans to show their support for the Club – to, quite literally, devour the competition.”
Patrons will also be able to take advantage of Lion’s Pride’s “watering the pitch” ceremony where drinks will be refilled 10 minutes before kickoff.
Lion’s Pride will also serve as a satellite merchandise retailer, with a full Club shop along the East side of the building.
“A partnership like this is a win-win for Orlando’s raving soccer fans,” Gustavo added. “Fans will relish in being surrounded by the purple passion, dedication and excitement found at Lion’s Pride.”
