FC Cincinnati hosted their first Fan Fest on Sunday night in an event that saw supporters, fans and family connect and meet on the turf at Nippert Stadium.
While some fans got autographs from their favorite players, others played soccer, ran in Zorb balls or practiced penalty kicks in front of The Bailey.
For a club organically established four years ago, the evening was another opportunity to showcase how much supporters mean to the club and the players who wear the Orange and Blue jerseys.
“For us, the ability to connect with our fanbase is special,” said Jeff Smith, FCC’s vice president of sales and ticketing. “Fan Fest was awesome.
“Everything that we do and a lot of events that we do, not everyone can attend. So, this was just a cool opportunity for us to give back and connect the dots between the fans and the players and everyone associated with the club.”
Greg Hoodin’s story reiterated that.
Wearing a customized primary jersey that said “Cincy Greg” with the No. 1, Hoodin said he doesn’t have season tickets but attends matches when possible.
“Really, they’re the best deal in town,” he said. “The city’s embraced them and they’ve embraced them right back. It’s just a really great experience, and it’s just good to see.”
For him, the very first FC Cincinnati game at Nippert Stadium in 2016 sealed his passion for the club.
“It was nasty out and it was rather miserable,” Hoodin recalled. “But just seeing that many people here that night, even though it wasn’t packed, the fans came in, they sat through the cold and everything else and then it just blossomed.”
Now in their first season, the Orange and Blue spent three years in the USL and are three-quarters through their inaugural MLS campaign. Despite being league newcomers – and sitting at the bottom of the standings – Cincinnati ranks third in league attendance.
“It says everything,” Smith said about the supporters. “From day one, the club was about the fans. We allowed the fans ownership and the ability to help build this club and it shows four years later.
“Without questions, they are the heart and soul of everything that we do, and I think it’s amazing they’re still coming out to spend time with us. Sunday was another opportunity to see how special this club is.”
