ORLANDO, Fla. – It was a special moment for Anthony Pulis and James O’Connor on Thursday night as they led their respective teams onto the pitch during pre-game. The lights shined a bit brighter, and the grass was meticulously manicured to create a perfect playing field.

Pulis’ Orlando City B was hosting O’Connor’s Louisville City FC for its USL home opener at the brand new, $155 million Orlando City Stadium, marking the return of the USL to the City Beautiful.

This game had a deeper meaning for both Head Coaches. Pulis and O’Connor were teammates on Orlando City’s former USL team from 2012-14. During that time the Lions won two USL regular-season championships and one USL Cup, and played before thousands of fans in the former Orlando Citrus Bowl. 

In the early days of the club, its owners, players, coaches and front office staff all had grand ambitions, dreaming of and planning for this day when they would play in their own soccer-specific stadium – a venerable Purple Palace.

“It was a real proud moment, to be honest, to walk out and lead a team in this fantastic new stadium,” said Pulis. “It is one that I will say will be with me forever. I’ve been with the club now five years and to see where it’s come and how it’s grown is fantastic.”

O’Connor, whose Louisville side is pursuing a stadium development of its own, was overwhelmed with the new facility.

“It was a little bit emotional for me when we walked out, and you see how nice the stadium is. I don’t think the TV does it justice,” he said. “This stadium is just absolutely incredible, it really is, and I’m just so pleased for everyone here in Orlando. For me, this stadium, I would say, ranks up there with the best stadiums in the whole country.

“I’m looking forward to the day when I can get a free weekend and come back to watch a game.”

Orlando City B’s fans have come to enjoy the new venue and the authentic soccer environment it creates. The angled roof forcefully projects the crowd noise – and songs, cheers and screams – directly onto the pitch creating a cauldron of sorts for opposing teams. Sprinkle in great sightlines starting from the field level seats up to the very top of the grandstand, along with a standing supporter section on the north end, and anyone can easily see why this stadium is the talk of professional soccer in the U.S.

Orlando City Stadium continues the growing trend in the USL of true soccer-specific stadiums that properly showcase the sport for competitors and for fans, delivering an unforgettable and genuine pro soccer experience. Throughout 2016, USL team owners invested over $100 million in stadium infrastructure. With the recent debut of Rio Grande Valley FC’s H-E-B Park this past weekend, and ongoing efforts across the league, USL players and fans across the country stand to benefit greatly in the years to come.

And for the USL teams that visit Florida to play, Orlando will be one of the more memorable stops this season.