Richmond Ivy hosts Christos FC of Baltimore Saturday at 2pm. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography (@jshfoto)
If the number of butts in seats is any indication, Richmond is something of a hotbed for soccer.
Why it matters: Richmond's already-budding soccer scene has taken on a new life during the rebound from the pandemic, fans tell Axios. The city is home to the country's longest continually running men's team and one of its newest women's teams.
The urge to get out of the house coincided with the Kickers — Richmond's pro men's team — posting one of their best seasons in almost a decade in 2022.
And the momentum only continued during this year's inaugural campaign for the Richmond Ivy SC, the franchise that brought pre-professional women's soccer back to the city for the first time since 2009.
What's happening: Ivy is hosting its third home match Saturday, after playing its first two in front of packed crowds at City Stadium last month.
The team also sold more merchandise in its sold-out home opener than the well-established Kickers have at any game in their history, per the Times-Dispatch.
Fans say a big draw for both teamsis the top-tier matchday experience that includes cheap tickets, myriad food and beverage vendors, free parking and easy access to a stadium that has seen about $3 million in investment since 2019, according to Rob Ukrop, chair/CEO of both teams.
Between the lines: As part of the teams' efforts to build a bond with fans and "showcase Richmond talent," the Kickers and Ivy front offices have emphasized recruiting players with local ties, Ukrop tells Axios.
