It’s a milestone moment for professional soccer in Lexington this weekend. Two debuts will occur Sunday near Interstate 75.
Still some construction outside the stands, but inside the Bermuda grass awaits its first game action.
The Lexington Sporting Club’s women’s Super League team plays its inaugural home game. While the stadium is sparkling new, player Sidney Shepherd said it’s the fans that make a big difference.
“I think having a good crowd is just as important as the stadium, I think, it’s so critical to have good people, good energy, so we can feed off of that,” said Shepherd.
Head Coach Mike Dickey senses community excitement building with more people wearing the pro teams’ colors. Dickey said having a soccer-specific stadium is going to bolster fan support.
“As you look around the stadium you can see that every seat is a good seat, so you’re going to feel like you’re right on the pitch with the players. You’re going to hear the coaches interacting. You’re going to hear the players talking. You know, you’re going to see everything,” said Dickey.
In addition to good soccer competition, Dickey noted taking in a game is entertainment, a good social experience as well. The coach added other cities need to take notice of the Lexington stadium with its Bermuda grass. Dickey says games need to be played on grass at the highest level. Asked about the inaugural game Sunday afternoon against Tampa Bay, player Bridgette Skiba (SKEE-ba) said, quote, “Can’t wait to fight and give you guys a good show for home.”
The women host Tampa Bay Sunday at 4:00. The men’s first home game is next Friday against One Knoxville.
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