Today is “Purple Pride Day” as Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs signed a joint proclamation yesterday, declaring Friday, August 23, “Purple Pride” day. The proclamation comes before the Lions begin the 2013 USL PRO playoffs against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at the Florida Citrus Bowl on Saturday. The full proclamation reads as follows:
Whereas, Orlando City Soccer Club is Orlando’s hometown soccer team, and is beloved throughout Central Florida; and
Whereas, Orlando finished the regular season in second place in the league standings with a record of 16-4-6 (W-L-T); and
Whereas, in only three short years in Orlando, the Lions have won two regular season titles and on league Championship; and
Whereas, on Saturday, August 24, the Orlando Lions will battle the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on the Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl for the opening round of the 2013 USL PRO postseason; and
Whereas, the Lions are aiming to bring a second USL PRO Championship to the Central Florida area, with the club last doing so in 2011; and
Whereas, the winner of the game will move onto the Semifinals, which will be held the weekend of August 30-September 1; and
Whereas, the City of Orlando and Orange County Government supports the Lions in their 2013 postseason run and encourages all residents to dress in Lions gear and wear purple this Friday and throughout the weekend to show their support
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, Buddy Dyer, Mayor of the City of Orlando, and Teresa Jacobs, Mayor of Orange County, hereby do proclaim Friday, August 23, 2013 as “Purple Pride Day.”
Tickets for the Quarterfinal game Saturday night are available by calling (855) ORL-CITY or by visiting OrlandoCitySoccer.com. Tickets start at just $15. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.