UTICA CITY FC GEARS UP FOR INAUGURAL SEASON HOME OPENER ON SUNDAY

Utica, N.Y. - It has been over five years since an inaugural season home opener took place at the Adirondack Bank Center, and the excitement of introducing a new sport to Utica is palpable and prevalent throughout the community. Utica City FC, the new Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) franchise to call Utica home begins home play this Sunday, December 2, when they face off against defending league champions Baltimore Blast. Fans got a taste of the action 10 days ago during the Blue & Black inter-squad game, and ever since, the talk of the town has been focused on not only the talented roster, but the overall ‘Soccer Sunday’ experience at the Adirondack Bank Center.

In terms of sheer talent, the Utica City FC roster is set, and the ownership and coaching staff feel confident about the compete level of the 2018-19 roster. Earlier this week, Utica City FC signed two additional players to round out the roster – Mauricio Salles and Lucio Gonzaga; Head Coach Ryan Hall also named Bo Jelovac as head captain and Nate Bourdeau as an assistant captain. Jelovac serves as a leader both on and off the field, having served as the team’s captain for the last four seasons. All players are healthy and have been training in Syracuse throughout the week in anticipation of Sunday.

Those who attended the Blue & Black game can attest to the warm and unique feeling of walking into the Adirondack Bank Center and seeing blue turf instead of ice – a setting that is entirely new to the building. While the Adirondack Bank Center (formerly the Utica Memorial Auditorium) has often housed ice, basketball flooring, concert flooring, Monster Trucks, Circus acts, and more, this is the first time in its history that professional soccer has been played on the historic floor of the National Engineering Historic Landmark.

This Sunday will also be your first chance to see the jerseys in person, as Utica City FC will enter the field for the first time in their black kits, which were unveiled last week. Black kits, as well as the blue and white ones, are available at the Official Team Store as well as on the online site. Utica City FC is also offering jersey customization through Northern Safety for an additional fee of $15 (1 week turnaround time).

Whether you’re a soccer fan, or just looking for something new to do on a Sunday afternoon, there are an array of experiences catered to specific interests. For example, your quintessential rowdy soccer fans can head to the Corona Premier Biergarten for all-you-can-eat German cuisine and a plethora of beer options all served on field level. Biergarten tickets can be purchased in advance at www.empirestatetix.com or by calling the Box Office at 315-790-9070; Season Ticket Members looking to experience the Biergarten may purchase an add-on to their season ticket.

Utica City FC’s inaugural season home opener is also perfectly catered to families or larger groups. With an array of concession options and Utica City FC apparel and merchandise, it is simple to satisfy your kids for the day with a hot dog from Zwiegle’s, a UCFC winter pom-pom hat, and an exciting afternoon of competitive arena soccer. For those still interested in attending, Utica City FC is offering a special 4-4-4 family pack (4 tickets, 4 sodas, 4 popcorns) for just $60. The package may also be tailored to larger families by calling or visiting the Box Office. This deal is only available for the home opener this Sunday, December 2. 

In a month that’s been plagued with snowstorms and chilling temperatures, come celebrate seeing 50 degrees for the first time since September at the Adirondack Bank Center for the inaugural season home opener!

For the latest Utica City FC news visit www.uticacityfc.com or follow the team on Facebook (www.facebook.com/uticacityfc), Twitter (@UticaCityFC), Instagram (@UticaCityFC), and the Utica City FC YouTube Channel.