Soccer fever is set to sweep both coasts as Orlando Pride welcome Bay FC to Inter&Co Stadium for a Saturday evening showdown that promises more than just top-tier National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) action. With Orlando Pride riding high in second place and Bay FC searching for their first win, the stage is set for a contest brimming with storylines, fanfare, and community spirit.
The match, kicking off at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT), is more than a regular-season clash—it's a festival of soccer, family fun, and fan engagement. Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium will be buzzing with excitement, hosting not only the on-field battle but also the much-anticipated Kids Night Out, featuring kid-friendly activities and a Teddy Bear Toss presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. Gates open at 4 p.m. ET, but festivities begin even earlier, with Mane Street Plaza opening at 3 p.m. ET and serving as the epicenter for pre-game fun.
For fans in the Bay Area unable to make the cross-country journey, Bay FC and its supporters group, Bridge Brigade, have teamed up to bring the matchday atmosphere home. Five local venues—Rikki’s Bar in San Francisco, Hysteria Sports Bar in Oakland, Jack’s in San Jose, Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant in Martinez, and Taplands in Santa Clara—are opening their doors at 1:30 p.m. PT, inviting fans to gather, cheer, and catch every moment live as the action unfolds on ION and Tubi.
Orlando Pride have been in formidable form this season, currently sitting second in the NWSL standings. The team’s recent 1-0 victory over Bay FC, courtesy of a decisive goal from Barbra Banda, underscored their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. While Banda’s season-ending injury is a blow, the Pride’s squad depth remains impressive, with stalwarts like Marta and Kelly O’Hara leading the charge. Midfield dynamo Brittany Banda and rising star Jaylin Anderson offer further firepower, ensuring that Orlando’s ambitions remain undimmed as they chase the league’s top spot.
“We’re focused, healthy, and ready to put on a show for our fans,” said Orlando head coach, reflecting the team’s positive outlook and resilience despite setbacks. With no major injuries or suspensions reported outside of Banda’s absence, the Pride are expected to field a strong starting XI, revealed just after gates open at 4:05 p.m. ET—an event in itself for the home crowd.
Bay FC, meanwhile, are looking to reverse their fortunes after a challenging start to the season. Perched at tenth in the league with only one point from four matches, the Bay Area squad is hungry for a breakthrough. Defensive anchors Haleigh McCutcheon and Alana O’Neill have been tasked with steadying the back line while sparking creativity going forward. The team arrives in Florida with no significant injury or suspension concerns, giving head coach a full roster to work with as they seek to climb the standings and claim their first win.
“We know what we’re capable of, and we’re determined to turn things around,” a Bay FC spokesperson commented ahead of the match. The mood among Bay FC’s faithful is one of cautious optimism—could this be the night their team finds its stride?
Fans attending the match in Orlando are in for a treat beyond the pitch. The Kids Night Out celebration brings a host of activities, including a live DJ, photo booth, face painting, inflatables, soccer darts, and a free-kick challenge—all kicking off at Mane Street Plaza from 3 p.m. ET. Food trucks and partner activations will keep everyone fueled and entertained, while the Heineken Star Bar and Jameson cart offer pre-match refreshments for adults.
One of the night’s highlights is the Teddy Bear Toss, a heartwarming tradition that sees fans tossing stuffed animals onto the field for charity, all in partnership with Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. Additionally, 1,000 Kids Night Out posters, designed by young patients at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, will be distributed at the gates while supplies last—a keepsake for what promises to be a memorable matchday.
Merchandise is also in the spotlight, with the 2024 NWSL Championship Fan Ring and the Teddy Bear patch available at all retail locations inside the stadium and online at ShopOrlandoPride. These limited-edition items are sure to be hot commodities among collectors and die-hard supporters alike.
Stadium-goers will notice fresh upgrades at Inter&Co Stadium this season. Enhanced self-checkout systems and new Orlando Made food and beverage offerings are part of the ongoing commitment to improving the fan experience. For those driving in, updated parking maps and gate information have been shared to ensure smooth arrivals and departures. The LionNation App is recommended for ticket management and stadium navigation, with fans reminded that screenshots of tickets will not be accepted—so add those digital tickets to your Apple or Google wallet before heading out.
Accessibility and fan comfort are also front and center. A detailed bag policy is in place to expedite entry—small bags are allowed, and clear totes are encouraged. Sensory bags, provided in partnership with Kulture City, are available at the Guest Services Booth for fans who may need them, and a sensory warning has been issued regarding the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics before and during the match.
Back in the Bay Area, watch parties will be in full swing. Bridge Brigade’s partnership ensures that Bay FC fans can unite in support, whether they’re at Rikki’s Bar in San Francisco, Hysteria Sports Bar at Xingones Cantina in Oakland, Jack’s in San Jose (for the 21+ crowd), Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant in Martinez, or Taplands in Santa Clara. Each venue opens at 1:30 p.m. PT, half an hour before kickoff, promising plenty of time for fans to settle in, grab refreshments, and soak up the anticipation.
For those watching from home, the match will be broadcast live on ION and Tubi, with live updates available on GOAL and other sports news outlets. It’s a crucial fixture for both teams—Orlando Pride fighting to maintain their position near the top of the NWSL, and Bay FC eager to notch their first victory and inject momentum into their campaign.
Looking ahead, Bay FC’s next home match is set for Sunday, September 21, against Gotham FC, the NWSL’s New York powerhouse. Tickets are already on sale, and fans are encouraged to secure their seats for what could be another pivotal chapter in Bay FC’s inaugural season.
As the sun sets over Orlando and the Bay Area, all eyes will be on Inter&Co Stadium and screens across the country. Whether you’re in the stands, at a local watch party, or tuning in from home, Saturday’s clash between Orlando Pride and Bay FC promises drama, excitement, and a celebration of women’s soccer at its best. The action is about to kick off—don’t miss a minute!
