The 2017 MLS season is fastly approaching and that means some old traditions are due to resurface. A dwindling attention span at work, afternoon lunch breaks spent studying that fantasy team you’ve been restructuring in your head since last October, and Orlando City Kickoff Week events are back to remind us how much fun it is to be a day drunk adult and sing our praise of the living legends in purple.
One specific event City will be bringing back this year is the 3rd annual Pub Crawl, which, in past experiences, has done a marvelous job at getting the members of The Wall and company rightly primed for the home opener to come. With a new home to show off, this year's Pub Crawl is something you won’t want to miss. But while your eyes are fixed on the new Downtown monument clad with purple, be on the lookout for some of these other markers that will really make this year's crawl special.
1 | The Stadium
The crawl kicks off at the new Orlando CIty Stadium giving some patrons their first views inside their future home. Trying to take it all in at once has been flagged by professionals as a health hazard and seen many go into shock already, so we’re here to help you get through the chills of excitement. Section 12, the real grass, and encapsulating roof lines are all things that deserve your undivided attention, but one of the first things fans need to see is The Wall. Steep slope, intimate space, standing room only, cup holders and tifo rigging. We have no doubt supporters will settle in quickly and nicely making gameday on the new pitch a one of a kind experience.
2 | Team City’s Back at it
You may know this die hard bunch as the “Keepers of the Magnets” or the people you keep giving your phone number to but never call. No matter their reputation, this year they’ve got something big to give away. They’ve confirmed the opportunity will be presented somewhere on the walk between Orlando City Stadium and Elixir, and they’re nearly as excited as the day the first ever shipment of Orlando City Magnets came in. However, be prepared to give your A-game for a shot at it, the giveaway will only be awarded to the one who’s tailgating skills are truest.
Orlando City Pub Crawl - Saturday, March 4, 2017
3 | Kingston on the Prowl
You may find yourself in a blissful sea of purple after your first few drinks, but be sure not to stagger off the beaten path. Orlando City’s fearful mascot, Kingston, is antsy from the off season and itching to make an appearance on March 4th. That is, if you keep an eye out for him. A master at parkour and skilled in the art of camouflage, the cityscape is perfect for the trained lion to roam as he pleases and find the straggling crawler or two. Be sure to wear purple to stay on his good side, and remember your gameday chants to ward him off. He’s stocked up on silly string and on the hunt.
4 | Elixir’s Back Patio
Per tradition, the Pub Crawl will be making it’s way to Elixir off of West Washington. For years it’s been been perceived by City faithful as a staple not only for the crawl but pregame and away day festivities. This year, you may notice some new additions. A newly installed back patio expanded the classic bar, already playing host to supporter events and Kreis-ened by Orlando City head coach Jason Kreis. With the coaches seal of approval, be sure to grab your free drink and enjoy the new wood work!
5 | Wall Street
Established as its final official post at Wall Street Plaza, the Pub Crawl closes down in style. Boasting 8 bars and plenty of outdoor room we fully expect every crawler and fan to make it to the finale this year. Free drink tickets can be exchanged in any Wall Street associated bar, so be sure to grab the free specials or even turn up the night with a shot of El Jimador. #TurnUp right? Be careful when perusing the off-menu selections, some side effects have caused patrons to break out into La Grande Victoria and pledge first borns to The Wall.
