LAFC today announced the launch of the LAFC Virtual Member Tailgate, a first of its kind platform with exclusive content and programming 30 minutes before MLS is Back tournament matchday kickoffs in the LAFC App.
The virtual tailgate will recreate the pre-game experience, providing the next closest thing to being live at Banc of California Stadium. Included will be messages and analysis from LAFC lead broadcaster Max Bretos, special guest appearances by Olly and other LAFC personalities, member giveaways, interactive matchday experiences and more.
“We have always focused on providing the most engaging in-game experience to our fans, supporters and the entire Black & Gold community. We believe we have found a creative way through leading technology, in these truly unprecedented times when we unfortunately aren’t able to come together at the Banc, on Christmas Tree Lane, for away days or at watch parties, to replicate key elements of that shared live experience.” said LAFC Chief Business Officer, Larry Freedman.
To create this experience, LAFC partnered with Xcite Interactive, a leading sports engagement technology company, to use their XEO platform, a new and innovative way to interact with event fans and online audiences including features such as interactive reaction and gamification modules to maximize audience engagement.“We combined our experience with sports audience engagement in a new way to reach audiences everywhere.” said Brandon Knicely, CEO at Xcite. "As we all find our way back into sports, events and conferences, XEO is the smart platform solution. We believe events are better with interactive user engagement. The new normal is the reality that our social experience has moved online to stay. We believe we can make it more fun for our partners.”
The top seed in Group F, LAFC kicks off the MLS is Back Tournament on Monday, July 13 against the Houston Dynamo at 5:00 on FS1, TUDN and on radio in the ESPN app and KFWB 980.
In the Club’s second Group Stage match, the Black & Gold will face the Galaxy on Saturday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. PT (ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN, ESPN 710 and KFWB 980 ), before playing the final match of the round against the Portland Timbers on Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN 2/ESPN Deportes, ESPN 710 and KFWB 980.
The tournament will continue in the Knockout Stage presented by Audi with eight Round-of-16 matches, played as doubleheaders on four consecutive evenings (July 25-28), followed by four Quarterfinal matches (July 30-Aug 1), two Semifinal games (Aug. 5-6) and the MLS is Back Tournament Final on August 11 at 5:00 p.m. PT (ESPN/ESPN Deportes). The tournament champion will earn a spot in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League.
