The countdown to Orlando City Soccer's first Major League Soccer game at the Citrus Bowl continues after MLS and the players' union agreed on a new contract Wednesday.

For days, the fate of Sunday’s Orlando City game was uncertain. Fans worried that with the potential Major League Soccer lockout, it wouldn’t happen at all. But, Wednesday night, the MLS and Players Union settled on a new agreement. Now, the festivities roll on.

The next kickoff week event is the Purple Pride 5k, where runners will race through downtown Orlando.  The race will be filled with purple confetti, streamers and glow sticks.

Online registration is closed, but runners can still register in person at Lake Eola from 4–6 p.m.  The race starts at 6:30 p.m.

Post-race celebrations include food trucks and family-friendly activities.

Excitement for Thursday night's festivities is heightened because for the past two days, concern has been mounting that the big game may not even happen. It was in jeopardy if Major League Soccer could not negotiate a deal with the player's union.

On Wednesday night a labor strike was avoided when players and the League agreed to a principle 5-year labor contract. The new collective bargaining agreement starts with the 2015 season and continues through the 2019 season.

Sunday’s sold-out game against New York FC will be a major platform for the league to show fan support, how soccer has grown in the U.S., and add on new fans. It will be televised on ESPN-2, broadcast around the world. Orlando has a key role in promoting soccer to a wider audience: Orlando City SC is one of two, new expansion teams for the MLS this season, the other being New York City.

After the deal, Orlando City Soccer Club Founder and President Phil Rawlins released the following statement:

Today's agreement clears the way for history to take place March 8. Our supporters, our community and partners have all worked so hard — walking the long road together toward Sunday's monumental match.

We are thrilled to see this final hurdle overcome, and are eager for our squad to take the pitch before 62,000 screaming fans at the Citrus Bowl. The excitement in this city is now immeasurable.

Sunday’s home opener was the subject of a social media campaign with the hashtag “Fill the Bowl.” Ticket sales were strong and the club reached their goal: selling out all 60,000 seats. On Wednesday the team announced that over 2,000 standing room only tickets on the Orlando Citrus Bowl's North Plaza have been released for the home opener.  They sold out in less than 24 hours. 

Orlando City Kickoff Week events

Purple Pride 5K
Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 6 p.m.
Location: Race starts on Eola Drive at the SE corner of the park

Here’s a new take on the “March to the Match!" Join the Lion Nation for a 5K run through downtown Orlando,and show off your purple pride. This officially timed 5K race will recognize the winners on the pre-game Fan Zone stage at the inaugural match! Proceeds to fund youth soccer scholarships.
Cost:
Adult 18 and Up: $30 (before 2/28)
After 3/1 all tickets: $35
Each race ticket includes entry into the Purple Pride Fan Zone, and a commemorative Purple Pride 5K t-shirt.

Soccer Under the Stars
Friday, March 6, 2015 at 6:30p
Location: Lake Eola Amphitheater

What better way to kick off the weekend than with Kicking and Screaming, a hilarious fan favorite. This is a free event, with food trucks, popcorn, and games for the whole family to enjoy in the heart of downtown Orlando.
Cost: Free
Click here to register

Record Breaking Pub Crawl
Saturday, March 7th 1 p.. - 9 p.m.
Location: Downtown Orlando

We already know this will be a historical weekend, but here’s another one for the books! Break the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Pub Crawl featuring the official OC Pubs: Wall Street Plaza, Elixer and Harry Buffalo. To top the night off, we’ll announce the new record and then a live concert with PASSAFIRE! 21 and up only.
Cost:
$25 (before 2/28)
$35 (3/1 and after)
Each ticket includes, 3 complimentary drinks, followed by a live concert with PASSAFIRE.
Click here to register