PEORIA (25News Now) – The Peoria City soccer club brand has grown fast in its first three years, bringing in record numbers of fans and competing for titles.
On Aug. 3, the club played in the USL League Two Championship match at home. 3,102 fans were in attendance.
Vice President Matt Sheehan said the home attendance average grew 66% in the 2024 season. Peoria City drew in 1,800 fans per game. That’s top five in the USL2, a league with 120 teams.
“I don’t think we could have imagined being here after three years,” Sheehan said. “I think you dream about it. You hope for it. You’re not really sure what it’s going to look like.”
Sheehan said the product on the field coupled with how they’ve marketed themselves is the formula for success.
“It’s not just a soccer game. You come out, and it’s a community event,” he added. “There’s food …