A giant lion statue perched on a purple carpet greeted thousands of fans.
The hot and crowded concourse simulated a game-day atmosphere, as people of all ages inched along amid the scent of fresh paint and concrete. Heads turned in every direction, taking in all details.
“We’ve been watching the pictures and following on social media,” said Adam Holtkamp, a civil engineer who drove from Merritt Island with his 9-year-old son to see the building in person. “It’s awesome.”
They were among the announced group of 10,473 visitors who toured Orlando City Soccer Club’s new downtown stadium during an open house on Saturday.