Patrick Brennan

pbrennan@enquirer.com

Futbol Club Cincinnati clearly isn't satisfied with the more than 330,000 patrons that passed through the Nippert Stadium turnstiles in 2016.

In an effort to attempt to surpass last season's headline-grabbing attendance figures, FC Cincinnati will implement multiple changes to the match day experience at Nippert.

FC Cincinnati on Saturday kicks off its 16-game slate of United Soccer League home matches at the University of Cincinnati venue. New features ranging from the recently completed field expansion to ticketing and beverage options will be on offer for supporters this season.

Expanded field

As The Enquirer reported last week, the field-level renovations to Nippert are now complete. The expanded playing surface has clearly changed the physical appearance of Nippert's seating bowl, but the renovations suit both soccer and Bearcats football.

For FC Cincinnati's purposes, their possession-based brand of soccer should thrive on a larger playing surface. All players will benefit from additional space in the south end corner areas, too. There, the grandstand walls have been pushed back where the corner flags (or end zone corners when UC football is playing) will be situated. This should afford soccer and football players alike more space to avoid injury when running or absorbing contact near Nippert's famous brick walls that line the playing surface.

FC Cincinnati christens newly renovated Nippert Stadium field

Details on FC Cincy's changes to Nippert

Beer gardens galore

There won't be any shortage of options for slaking your thirst at Nippert this year. The venue now features five beer gardens in addition to the usual array of concession stands.

The latest beer garden will be situated in the north end of the stadium, conveniently located behind the mostly standing-room Bailey section. Rhinegeist Brewery will host a beer garden at that location.

FC Cincinnati-branded Blood Orange IPA, a beer first released last summer by Moerlein Brewing Company that quickly caught on among supporters, will also be in plentiful supply around the stadium, the team said.

City, FC Cincinnati partner on "split the pot" fundraiser

FC Cincinnati will run a "split the pot" promotion at 2017 home matches, with proceeds aiding in the development of local youth talent through clinic programming and creation of urban youth soccer fields. FC Cincinnati will work in coordination with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission on the endeavor. Tickets will be available in the following increments:Three tickets for $5, 15 tickets for $10 and 60 tickets for $20.

Ticketing and parking

As many season ticket holders have already learned, tickets for The Bailey section in the stadium's north end have taken the form of wristbands. The change from hard tickets was made to preserve seats for actual ticket holders in the popular area. Fans sneaking into mostly standing-room-only section became problematic at times last season.

Mobile barcodes and print-at-home tickets won't be accepted at The Bailey.

Nippert will also feature a new, full-service entrance gate in anticipation of forthcoming construction at Fifth-Third Arena. The new gate is located in the northwest corner of the stadium, adjacent to Gate 8.

Fans can purchase tickets, print them at home or transfer the ticket bar code to your mobile device at the following link: http://www.fccincinnati.com/easy-ticketing.

Parking passes for designated garages on UC's campus can be purchased here through UC Parking Services. All passes are issued on a first come, first served basis for $10 per car. http://www.uc.edu/parking/events-gameday.html

Merchandise

Remember the long merch lines at FC Cincinnati matches last spring and summer, and the touch-and-go availability of being able to put charges on bank cards early in the season? The club's installed new software to speed up the shopping experience, so fans should expect a smoother shopping experience.

Newly released Nike gear bearing the club's emblem is available on the club's new online store, shopfccincinnati.com

FC Cincinnati is also preparing to debut its Downtown team store at 43 E. 4th St. The storefront will debut Friday with an exclusive, soft opening planned for Thursday.