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With around 100 kids enjoying the memorable player clinic at Al Lang Stadium and hundreds more meeting players and coaches, the Rowdies Fan Fest presented by the Tampa Bay Times on Sunday provided a unique experience for fans of all ages.

As soon as the gates opened goalkeeper Andrew Fontein saw a line of fans inching towards the penalty spot to take their shot on the Rowdies starting keeper. After forcing Fontein to make several tough saves, kids joined the Town and Country Westchase Orthopaedic Soccer Clinic led by Rowdies players Daniel Scott, Keith Savage, Stuart Campbell, Raphael Cox and Mike Ambersley.

“Seeing the smile on those kids that participated in the clinic is priceless,” commented Rowdies head coach Ricky Hill. “Many of these kids aspire to be soccer players, and what’s better than having them participate in a clinic led by our players.”

In the meantime, fans were able to get an up-close look at the NASL Soccer Bowl Trophy and take pictures with their favorite Rowdies player. With new faces such as Amani Walker and Jay Needham, it was a great event for the Rowdies faithful to meet with them and get to know the newcomers.

“I believe Fan Fest is really beneficial for both the fans and the club,” explained Hill. “Coming out to Al Lang and mingling with fans is great for the players and for myself. We want to be involved in the community and meeting those that support us through thick and thin is very important for us.”

While at the Rowdies Fan Fest, those who attended were able to get an up-close look at an Indy Car courtesy of Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, while also enjoying great food from Evos.

Along with the exciting activities, fans were also able to take a look at the new 2013 Al Lang Stadium field configuration that will now be running from North to South.  The event included an exclusive look at the Rowdies stadium prior to the season opener in order to see some of the best seats available for the 2013 season.

The Rowdies are gearing up for the start of the I-4 Derby against Orlando City SC. The matches will be held on March 9th at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando and on March 30th at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg. Fans can purchase their tickets for the second leg of the I-4 Derby by clicking here. Tickets for the first match in Orlando can be purchased now by calling (855) ORL-CITY.

The reigning NASL Soccer Bowl Champions will start the 2013 NASL Spring Season by hosting the Carolina RailHawks in its 2013 home opener on Saturday, April 6 at Al Lang Stadium. Fans that were unable to attend the Rowdies Fan Fest are welcome to contact their account executive to set up an appointment or make their seat selection over the phone. For information on 2013 season tickets contact the front office at 813-287-1539 or tickets@rowdiessoccer.com. Single-game tickets will go on sale at a later date.