What's New in 2020 - North Carolina FC

From improvements to the stadium to different ticket plans to fresh faces on the field, here’s a look at what’s new with North Carolina Football Club in 2020!

A New Hashtag: #WeAreNC

Coinciding with the start of preseason training camp, we unveiled a new hashtag on Monday: #WeAreNC. Watch the linked video and make sure to include #WeAreNC in all of your social media posts about NCFC to follow the conversation on our club as we embark on an exciting 2020 season.

Exciting Additions to Gameday Experience

Making gamedays more interactive than ever before, NCFC is adding an in-stadium host and DJ to engage fans, bringing excitement from pregame to postgame. Interested in being our DJ? Apply now by emailing info@https://www.northcarolinafc.com.
The in-stadium host, DJ and supporters groups will be featured regularly on a new and improved video board presentation system, which will include more sophisticated graphics and video capabilities thanks to a newly completed video and audio control room.

WakeMed Soccer Park Upgrades: Improved Drainage, In-Stadium WiFi On the Way

Already a first-class pitch, the field at WakeMed will become even better with a comprehensive renovation of the drainage system. The improvements will more than double the amount of piping, reducing the effect adverse weather has on the playing surface.
A new irrigation system has been put into place, allowing for the field to be watered at a 180-degree angle. As a result, the groundskeeping crew will be able to tend to the field by watering it during halftime – not just pregame. As a result, the pitch will remain slick from the start of a match to its ending, allowing for the ball to move with ease.
New seats have been installed in sections 101-110 and 301-310, while retractable seats have been added to the outside areas in front of the North and South suites.
Both the North and South suites have been updated with new carpeting and counters, as patrons will be able to socialize while enjoying the match with unimpeded views.
Fans at WakeMed will soon find it easier to connect to the Internet, as newly enhanced, full-stadium WiFi will soon be accessible for all spectators.
Also new is the addition of the Near Post Patio, located behind sections 101-04 on the West Concourse. It gives fans the chance to enjoy the company of each other, food trucks, concession and beer stands. There are also TVs showing the game broadcast, standing tables, umbrellas and tents for shade.

Adding Fresh Faces to an Experienced Squad

While this year’s NCFC squad features 14 returnees from last year’s 16-win team, there are multiple arrivals expected to make an immediate impact for head coach Dave Sarachan’s team.
Bolstering what was a talented group in 2019, NCFC has brought in four experienced USL Championship veterans: Fuquay-Varina native Conor Donovan, Brazilian midfielder Pecka, Guinea international Hadji Barry and former first-round MLS SuperDraft pick Akeem Ward.
Donovan, a center back, attended N.C. State and was a first-round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. The former NCFC Youth Academy product captained Rio Grande Valley Toros 18 times in 2019.
Pecka, a defensive midfielder, developed as a youngster at Brazilian megaclub Flamengo and has played in the U.S. since 2011. Like Donovan, Pecka has MLS experience and served as captain at his previous club, San Antonio FC.
Barry, a forward who can also play at winger, was a first-round pick by Orlando City SC in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft and has been prolific throughout his career in the USL Championship, scoring 39 goals in 79 league matches.
Ward, a 24-year-old defender, was picked in the first round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United and also played for Loudoun United and Birmingham Legion FC in 2019.
Also added to the group are rookies Daniele Proch (striker, Duke), Paulo Pita (goalkeeper, Marshall) and Malick Mbaye (defender Clemson), each of whom are coming off stellar collegiate careers.
On the coaching staff, Sarachan has tabbed the experienced Mike McGinty as an assistant coach. McGinty, a Wake Forest alumnus, has extensive experience with various U.S. youth national teams and also served as head coach at Saint Louis University from 2010-17.

Multiple Ways to Buy NCFC Tickets

Getting tickets to NCFC matches has never been easier, and there are multiple options depending on what you are interested in. As always, call us at 919-459-8144 or email tickets@https://www.northcarolinafc.com for help in purchasing tickets. Additionally, we’re excited to announce the creation of a customer service manager position, which is expected to be filled soon to help improve your experience purchasing tickets from the club.

Season Ticket Membership: Ready for a season full of excitement? Secure your spot to all 17 home USL Championship matches by becoming a Season Ticket Member. Learn more here.
Spring Pack: Full of value and good deals, the Spring Pack allows you to pick four matches from our opening seven at home (March 7-May 30), with prices ranging from $60-112.
Single-Game Tickets: Do you have a certain game circled already? Visit www.NCFCtix.com to purchase tickets for a particular match through Ticketmaster.

Changes Across the USL Championship

Over the offseason, Nashville SC joined MLS, while the rights to Ottawa Fury FC were sold to Miami FC, reuniting NCFC with its leaguemate from 2016-17. With those changes, the USL Championship Eastern Conference now has 17 clubs, which means NCFC will play a pair of opponents three times: Charlotte Independence and Loudoun United.
In the Western Conference, San Diego Loyal FC is preparing for its inaugural season under head coach Landon Donovan.