What to know ahead of SDFC's first MLS home game
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SDFC's home field at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley. Photo: San Diego FC
San Diego FC is playing at home for the first time on Saturday.
Why it matters: The newest MLS team is expecting to set a Snapdragon Stadium attendance record at the 35,000 seat venue.
Driving the news: SDFC faces St. Louis City SC – a highly-successful expansion team that in 2023 tallied 17 wins (an inaugural season record) and a playoff berth.
- San Diego put the league on notice last week with an exhilarating 2-1 win over reigning MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy to open the 2025 season.
Between the lines: San Diego is primed for this team's arrival, which will have an economic and cultural impact.
- This city had been an expansion target for the MLS since the league started in 1996, MLS commissioner Don Garber said when the club was announced as the league's 30th franchise in 2023. Now that it's here, city leaders proudly proclaimed March 1 as "San Diego FC Day."
- The club is cultivating homegrown talent (and players from across the border) through its Right to Dream youth academy program that's unlike any other in the U.S.
- And with a fandom already built by Wave FC and Loyal SC, San Diego could embrace a new identity as "a soccer-mad city driven by everyday people's hope for greatness and connection," per San Diego Magazine.
Here's what you need to know ahead of Saturday's matchup:
The game kicks off at 7:30pm, but the party starts at 3:30pm with tailgating and the SDFC FanFest, featuring music, food and interactive experiences outside the stadium.
- Stadium gates open at 5:30pm and the first 30,000 fans will get a commemorative scarf.
Tickets are still available but demand has pushed prices to $125+, and it could sell out.
- The cheapest tickets are in the supporter section, where rowdy fans will be cheering, chanting and standing for the whole game.
If you go: The club is encouraging fans to take public transit — an MTS bus and the trolley (Green Line) stop at the stadium. They're offering discounted fares, plus special giveaways and raffles.
- Parking lots open at 2:30pm, and you can buy parking passes online or on-site.
- There are also designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up areas.
Who to watch: Keep your eye on the team's biggest stars — forward Chucky Lozano (No. 11) and right winger Anders Dreyer (No. 10), who scored both goals in SDFC's first win.
- Midfielder Luca De la Torre (No. 14), forward Marcus Ingvartsen (No. 7) and defender Paddy McNair (No. 17) are also key players on the squad, which employs a high-pressure, attacking style of play.
Dig in: Snapdragon's concessions feature several local restaurants, including Hodad's, Best Pizza & Brew, Gaglione Bros., Crack Shack, Taco Stand and Shawarma Guys.
- Get craft beers from Coronado Brewing, Novo Brazil and other local breweries.
Pro tips: The stadium is a cashless venue and only allows small bags (4.5" x 6.5") or clear bags (12" x 6" x 12").
How to watch: If you can't make it to the game, Maverick's Beach Club in Pacific Beach, Mr. Tempo in Gaslamp and Fairplay in North Park are hosting watch parties for every SDFC game.
- The game is streaming on Apple TV.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include more information about SDFC's first game.