FC Naples games become Saturday night destination for Collier County families

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — FC Naples is in its second season, and the game day experience at Paradise Coast Sports Complex has become more than just soccer.

The beer garden is one of the most popular spots on game day. Fans hang out, grab drinks and turn the experience into a community gathering.

From food vendors firing up the grills to families spreading out on the grass, the game day experience starts well before kickoff. WINK News reporter Lauren Halpern was at the complex to see what keeps fans coming back.

"It's something that we've wanted, and we finally got it," said Bailey Martin, an FC Naples season ticket holder. "And if it's Saturday night, I'm here. This is the highlight of my week."

In just its second season, FC Naples is quickly becoming more than a team. It's becoming a gathering place.

"It is $10 for a ticket," said Megan Curley, an FC Naples season ticket holder. "It's cheaper than a movie. We get to scream at people, cheer on people, watch antics on the field, and you can't beat that."

For many fans, it's not just what's happening on the field. It's about what's happening around it, from kids playing on the berm to connecting with neighbors.

"My favorite part is rolling down the hill," said Saylor, an FC Naples fan.

"I think just being a part of it is like, that's the best part," Martin said. "Is just being a part of a community and being a part of a group of people that are celebrating and having a good time."

It's something fans don't always get at bigger venues. Raphael Ocampo, an FC Naples fan, said the local atmosphere makes a difference.

"I feel like we run into people who are local, we run into neighbors, we run into friends," Ocampo said. "We won't definitely get that experience in a huge, 70,000 people stadium."

As the team grows, so does its impact. Weston Peel, an FC Naples fan, sees potential for the future.

"You're right next to the field right here," Peel said. "It's like, still kind of a small team, but it's gonna grow. I feel like."

The combination of affordable tickets, family-friendly activities, and a tight-knit community atmosphere has made FC Naples a Saturday-night destination for Collier County residents.