In the final game of their inaugural season, a home game against Lancaster Inferno FC, the Richmond Ivy filled the stands with 5,841 supporters. It was, appropriately, Fan Appreciation Night at City Stadium.

The attendance on Friday, June 28, was second only to their first game ever, which sold out the 6,000 seat stadium in May. Over the course of six home games, the Ivy brought a total of 28,866 fans to City Stadium — that's an average of 4,811 attendees per match for their first season.

The attendance at the Ivy's home closer was second only to their home opener, which sold out the 6,000 seat stadium. | Photo via Jessica Stone Hendricks

From City Editor David: I was at the game on Friday, and it was by far the fullest I've ever seen City Stadium. The weather was unseasonably temperate, with hardly a cloud in the sky. Plus, the crowd's excitement was palpable, and it felt like nearly everyone was in some sort of Ivy merch.

My favorite thing,however, was just how many young kids I saw absolutely enraptured by the game playing out on the pitch. The River City might not have any major league sports, but that doesn't mean our teams don't have a major impact on Richmonders.

Though the Ivy fell short of a victory on Friday night — when the dust settled, the final score favored Lancaster 4-2, leaving them with a season record of 6-5-1 — the night was still a win for fans of Richmond soccer.

The Ivy finished their season with a 6-5-1 record. | Photo via Jessica Stone Hendricks

Side note: On Wednesday, June 3,tomorrow in NL the Kickers will play their first nationally televised game since 2018 — and it's at home. The Red Out game against Forward Madison FC will begin at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $17.