Fans filing into Slugger Field this Saturday for Louisville City FC’s season opener against Saint Louis FC won’t find a drastically different experience from the past. Why mess with success?
But we’ve made a few tweaks to improve the experience a season after LouCity averaged more than 7,200 in per-game attendance, third in the United Soccer League.
Here’s what to expect this weekend:
• A revamped tailgating experience in the lot directly West of Slugger Field will feature the club’s officially recognized supporters groups and the LouCity Tailgaters, who have set an appropriate theme for the early kickoff: omelettes. Meet them after 10 a.m.!
• Gates open this season an hour and a half before game time — right at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
• About 40 minutes before kickoff, the March to the Match will begin with a new route to Slugger Field. Fans will start at the corner of Floyd and Washington streets, loop through the tailgate lot, up Preston, down Main and into the stadium. Here it is in map form.
• During warmup, have a listen to the WFPK Pregame Playlist, a group of songs curated by local host Laura Shine. You’ll hear everything from Bob Marely to Django Django, the funky British art/electronic band. Here’s your friendly reminder to support local public media.
• This year, LouCity’s game programs are free of charge — but highly limited in supply. Pick one up on your way into the stadium for a Saint Louis FC preview and feature on midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye. Included inside is also a coupon for a discounted haircut at Great Clips.
• LouCity’s 2017 schedule posters arrived this week and will be available — also for free — at the merchandise booth on the concourse at Slugger Field. Check out the new look here.
• Once the game kicks off check in via the new LouCity mobile app, available on Apple and Android, to immediately receive $5 off a purchase at the merchandise booth. Tally check-ins over the course of the season to be entered to win signed LouCity gear, exclusive experiences and even 2018 season tickets.
• Entering this season, LouCity has a new recognized supporters group alongside of The Louisville Coopers: Scouse’s House, the group headed by Englishman Michael “Scouse” Bromilow. Find more info on our supporters groups here.
• Scouse’s House will line up along the patio deck behind Slugger’s East goal. The Coopers will again hang out in the Supporter Zone behind the West goal. We’re looking forward to the banter between them!
• During the second half of Saturday’s game, check out our Twitter account — @loucityfc — to vote for a Modelo Man of the Match. We’ll choose four nominees. Fans select a winner.
• Back this year, if LouCity scores two goals, fan get 50 percent off a regular menu price large or extra large Papa John’s pizza the day after the game. Use the online promo code “LCFC50” when ordering.
