Upgraded fan experience highlights Arizona United's home opener at Scottsdale Stadium

Light rain and heavy wind didn't deter fans from packing the stands Saturday night for Arizona United Soccer Club's home opener against Portland Timbers FC 2.

Owner Kyle Eng spoke with the media in the press box prior to kickoff to address the growth of soccer and the impact on fans of the game in the Valley.

"This is a special night for soccer," Eng said. "We've got hopefully 6,000 people cheering for a home team, and that's what we're excited for."

A sellout was expected for Saturday game, and very few seats remained empty at kickoff.

An hour before the 7:30 p.m. start, Tempe residents Andy and Kyle Manning arrived in the bleachers on the left field side in anticipation of a large turnout.

The two had attended games at the Peoria Sports Complex last season, and described Scottsdale Stadium as a marked improvement.

An enhanced fan experience has been aided by a change in venue, and proximity to a larger part of fans in the East Valley.

"Being (in Scottsdale) provides with a lot of opportunities we didn't have in Peoria," Eng said. "Opening up the fan base to the entire Valley has given us the opportunity to (reach) fans we haven't seen before, and I think that's something special."

"Scottsdale's great," Kyle said. "It didn't take us any time at all to get here, there's enough parking, we were able to stop and get a drink before the game. It's perfect – it's a good Saturday."

As the fifth team in a crowded professional sports market, Eng acknowledged striving to win over local fans is his first priority.

"Our goals has always been to earn our fan base," Eng said. "We're going to take every opportunity to embrace our fans and our customers to put on a good product."

The on-field results figure to be a good indicator after Arizona United's 3-1 start, but it won't solely dictate ticket sales.

"We're going to measure our success based on not only how many new fans come to the game, but how many fans repeat," Eng said. "It's about how we treat our fans … if we keep it fun and exciting and win. We have five games in a row (to earn fans)."

With the growth of interest in international soccer domestically in American households, Eng said his club can use that momentum to help establish its brand to cultivate young fans and ensure there is ample demand to watch the sport live in the Valley.

"If you look at the time that we play, and the audience that we cater to, it's much different than what's going on right now (internationally)," Eng said. "It's up to us to create those opportunity, and if we can create that demand. … Audience speaks. If an audience wants to watch soccer on television (in prime time) I think we'll be in good shape."