San Diego’s new MLS team – San Diego FC — is kicking off a fun community initiative: The 2024 “Chrome Ball Tour.”

Let’s run the play back for a second.

When MLS announced its San Diego expansion in May 2023 at Snapdragon Stadium, the stage was adorned with an 8-ft chrome art installation in the shape of a soccer ball. The ball’s 18 shiny panels were emblazoned with the names of the 18 cities that make up San Diego County. Club leadership hailed it as a symbol of solidarity — that together, SD’s communities are “woven into one.” We didn’t know it at the time, but the ball was also a nod to one of the team’s colors.

The chrome ball took the stage (to the left) at Snapdragon Stadium in May 2023, featuring the names of the 18 cities that make up San Diego County. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

Now, the team is taking the art piece on the road, dropping into all 18 cities throughout this year to celebrate our diverse communities, honor “the beautiful game,” and connect with fans ahead of the team’s 2025 debut. The free events will include family-friendly activities, entertainment, artists, vendors, and sometimes soccer tournaments.

The kickoff celebration starts tomorrow at the club’s new Eighteen Threads retail store at Mission Valley Mall, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The ball will then travel to:

Oceanside — Saturday, Jan. 27, at Oceanside Amphitheater
Escondido — Saturday, Feb. 3, at Washington Park
Poway — Saturday, Feb. 17, at North County Soccer Park
Santee — Saturday, March 2, at Town Center Park East

Exact dates for other cities will be announced later, but the team said this is what the 2024 schedule looks like so far (pass it on):

Carlsbad — March
Chula Vista — April
Vista — May
Del Mar + Solana Beach — June
Coronado — July
Encinitas — August
El Cajon, National City + San Marcos — September
La Mesa + Imperial Beach — October
Lemon Grove — November
San Diego — December

How’s the big ball getting around? San Diego FC said San Diego County Toyota Dealers will be safely transporting the piece from city to city.