A leading sports team has stepped up its game, in the Port City.

The Wilmington Hammerheads FC, Wilmington’s only professional sports team, rolled out some changes for its 2015 USL (United Soccer League) home matches. The game-day modifications were made to offer fans an enhanced experience.

The soccer team’s attendance was about 44,000 during last year’s season, officials said.

One of the new extras available to game-goers at Legion Stadium is on-field seating. For $25 per seat – limited seating available – fans can catch a match directly from the sidelines.

The reservation-only type tickets include access to the stadium’s premier tent, which includes a catered meal. The premier tent itself has gotten some upgrades this season, as well, officials said.

“It is all about game-day fan experience,” Wilmington Hammerheads general manager Jason Arnold said. “We want our fans to come to games and have a great time – we want our fans … looking forward to the next home game.”

The premier tent is a more dedicated structure than in years past and is now complete with a revamped beer garden just outside. Through new partnerships with downtown’s Bomber’s Bev Co. and music venue Ziggy’s by the Sea, craft brews are newly available along with live music before the games.

Offering a little more of something for everyone – soccer buffs or not – is also a means to build the sporting events community, Arnold said. He said one of the organization’s focuses is to offer a fun experience and family-friendly atmosphere.

“We want it to be a night out for our community,” Arnold said. “By creating an exciting environment, we hope to provide that for our fans.”

While the tent area with catering is open to premier season ticket holders and team sponsors, ticket upgrades are available for purchase.

“Attendees with general admission tickets are allowed to upgrade to premier tickets at the box office for only $8 more,” Hammerheads spokeswoman Danielle Dorantich said.