Orlando police officers and firefighters are trading their usual gear for cleats and jerseys again this month, as the Orlando Police Department revealed the uniforms for the 2nd Annual Battle of the Badges, a friendly soccer showdown set to kick off Saturday, September 12, immediately after Orlando City SC's Major League Soccer match against Toronto FC. The jerseys, shown off in a social media post Thursday, feature a blue design for police marked with the word POLICE and numbers including 6, 2, 10, and 13, alongside a white adidas-branded jersey for the opposing squad, with stadium seating visible behind them spelling out ORLANDO.
The information comes from the source.
A Rivalry Renewed on the Pitch
The exhibition, according to a post from Orlando Police, is hosted by Orlando City Soccer Club and pits the Orlando Police Department against the Orlando Fire Department in what the department describes as a friendly showdown. It is not the first time the two agencies have taken the field together. On May 28, 2025, the departments met in a 50-minute charity match at the same venue that benefited Special Olympics Florida, with the fire department coming out on top, according to the Orlando Police Department.
Soccer isn't the only arena where Orlando's first responders settle the score. Regional first-responder clubs also face off annually in the Guns 'N' Hoses charity hockey doubleheader, pitting the Central Florida Enforcers against the Orlando Firefighters Hockey Club at the Kia Center, a matchup that raises funds for the families of fallen first responders, per a Facebook announcement of the April 2026 event.
Part of a Bigger Community Heroes Celebration
The Battle of the Badges is one piece of a larger Community Heroes Night presented by Orlando Health, which will honor Central Florida first responders, healthcare workers, and hospital staff during Orlando City's regular-season match, according to Orlando City SC. For fans wanting in on the celebration, the club offered a dedicated ticket package starting at $25 that includes match admission and an exclusive Community Heroes Scarf, available in Police, Fire, or Healthcare designs, per Orlando City SC's promotions page.
Hospital network Orlando Health is serving as presenting sponsor for the night, folding healthcare staff recognition into the police and fire festivities, according to a Ticketmaster listing for the event. The stadium is a 24,453-seat downtown venue.
New Name, Same Downtown Stadium
Fans heading to the match should note the venue's name. On July 23, 2026, Orlando City SC and global digital financial platform Inter announced that the stadium was officially named Inter&Co Stadium, as reported by Investing.com. The Parramore neighborhood venue has a new name.
The two agencies bringing rosters to the pitch are the Orlando Fire Department and Orlando Police Department.
Before the Battle of the Badges kicks off, Orlando City SC will look to build on its rivalry with Toronto FC. It remains unclear which officers and firefighters will make the final rosters for the September 12 exhibition, and whether proceeds from the ticket packages will benefit a specific local charity.
