SOCCER: Orange balloon gives US World Cup camp a soaring symbol in Irvine

IRVINE, California — Long before visitors reach the United States’ World Cup base camp in Orange County, a bright orange balloon rising above Irvine’s Great Park signals their arrival. Stamped with the U.S. Soccer crest, it has become an unmistakable landmark for the American team’s stay in Southern California during the tournament.

The tethered helium balloon, which reaches 400 feet (122 meters) into the air and is typically one of the park’s signature attractions, has taken on an unexpected role as a symbolic welcome sign visible from miles away.

With the national team based at Great Park, local officials partnered with U.S. Soccer to transform the balloon into a highly visible marker of the team’s presence.

“When the team came here, the question was how do we make them feel at home?” said Steven Stewart, a park manager, speaking on the sidelines of the team’s sun-soaked practice on Wednesday.

“In collaboration with the team, we got the logos for the crest and said this is a no-brainer and put them on the balloon.”

Stewart said the idea was meant not only to welcome the players but also to strengthen the connection between the team and the surrounding community.

“We really want to make the team feel at home, make the community feel like they’re supporting the team,” he said. “It’s been getting nothing but high praise.”

The balloon, which carries passengers in its gondola from Thursday through Sunday for $10 per ride, has long been the park’s most recognizable feature. During the World Cup, however, it has taken on a new purpose as a backdrop for broadcasters, fans, and visiting media crews.

“People are coming out just to take pictures underneath it,” Stewart said.

“All the broadcasters are using the backdrop. I’m pretty sure I saw Elmo and Sesame Street out on the field the other day doing a shoot with it in the background. So it’s really putting a lot of eyes on the park.”

U.S. on the rise

The landmark has added to the upbeat atmosphere surrounding the U.S. squad, which has opened the tournament with two wins and already secured a place in the knockout stage.

Defender Chris Richards said the balloon made an immediate impression when the team first arrived at camp.

“It kind of looks like the Georgia peach,” said Richards, an Alabama native.

“It was cool when we first drove in on the first day — you could see it floating in the air.”

Christian Pulisic also praised the camp’s most visible landmark, though he was less enthusiastic about taking a ride.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” Pulisic said, glancing toward the balloon. “I like when I see it in the sky more than on the ground.”

Asked whether he had gone up in it, Pulisic laughed. “I would never,” he said.

Stewart noted that the balloon’s broader international connection extends beyond Irvine. The company behind it, Aerophile, also helped develop the balloon used in the Paris Olympic cauldron experience.

At Great Park, however, the bright orange sphere has taken on a distinctly American identity for now — a floating crest above the team’s temporary home and a visible symbol of a squad aiming to continue its strong World Cup run.

-Reporting by Rory Carroll in Irvine, California/Reuters