Tampa Bay Rowdies home opener kicks off on Saturday

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - Soccer season in Tampa Bay is here, meaning there will be more rowdy fans wearing green and gold.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies kick off their first home game of the new season on Saturday. As soccer continues to grow in popularity, the Rowdies continue to put on quite a show for fans, especially after qualifying for the playoffs last year, but missed out in the conference finals. 

The team says they hope for a season just as strong as the last, and brought on younger players to the mix.

"I think it helps the group with the speed and the energy we have in the team," said Stuart Campbell, the head coach. 

The USL season began last week during their away game, which they won, but the home opener against Bethlehem Steel FC, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. Campbell expects a rowdy crowd.

"The Rowdies fans are terrific. They make a lot of noise," he said. "I can pretty much guarantee that if anyone comes to a game that hasn't been before, they will definitely come back. It's that good of an experience. Every year, the crowd has gotten better and better. I'm sure that will continue."

For tickets to Saturday's game, click over to the Rowdies website.