Home/Soccer

Last year, San Diego Wave FC’s opening home game against Angel City FC smashed NWSL records to tally an all-time high of nearly 31,000 fans at the Snapdragon Stadium. Thereafter, Angel City registered their record attendance of 22,000 fans in the opening game at their home, the BMO Stadium in the Exposition Park. The LA-based club was looking for a jump in the attendance figures in their NWSL opener scheduled on March 16, Saturday. However, Angel City’s coveted Saturday opener clashed with a headline California Science Museum event organized at the Exposition Park.

Subsequently, the NWSL side had to postpone its clash against Bay FC a day ahead. Per Angel City, it has rescheduled its NWSL tie against Bay FC to March 17, Sunday, 4.30 PM PT. The unexpected move was to avoid clashing with the 25th Annual California Science Museum Discovery Ball, which will occur on March 16 at the Exposition Park.

The event will probably attract 600-700 guests. Besides, shortly after the Discovery Ball, the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park hosts the Girls in STEM Days event on March 16. Hence, Angel City had to compromise by rescheduling its anticipated opener.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In a move to avoid fan ramifications after the rescheduling, Angel City FC announced a $20 discount on onsite parking for the Sunday game. Furthermore, the game will probably be a box office, considering some of Angel City’s superstar owners will show up during the game. Hollywood star and Angel City co-owner Eva Longoria guaranteed she would cheer on for her club from the stands. Anyhow, with the sudden schedule change, it is to be doubted if the LA Club would smash last year’s record and its own attendance record. Besides, fans have come up with a bittersweet response to Angel City’s postponement.

Angel City fans worried about sharing the stadium despite club flexibility!

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Since Angel City’s opener collided with the Discovery Ball, the club’s fans and stakeholders reportedly discussed the challenge of needing to share spaces such as the Exposition Park. Some fans were left bitter with the club’s decision to change its original schedule. However, certain fans lauded the club’s timely move to resolve the initial hiccup. They are delighted to cheer for Angel City from the stands on Sunday.

READ MORE: WSL Negotiating New Deal To Counter NWSL’s $240M Media Rights Deal

Besides, the Angel City-Bay FC tie is the only NSWL game of the month played in the former’s home ground. Hence, it is quite likely that fans would forget the postponement woes and support the club. It will be an icing on the cake if other A-list owners, such as Serena Williams and Natalie Portman, will also show up at the BMO stadium.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

READ MORE: NWSL Salaries – How Much Do Female Soccer Stars Earn in US?