Carli Lloyd To Get 'Biggest Retirement Party' In Delran History

DELRAN, NJ — U.S. soccer legend Carli Lloyd’s hometown is throwing her the largest retirement party the town has ever seen, and the public is invited to attend for free.

Delran is throwing the party for Lloyd, who announced in August that she would retire this year, on Oct. 14, the township announced this week.

This free event includes live music, special surprise guests, food trucks, and fireworks will celebrate soccer star Lloyd’s 16-year-long career right where she first fell in love with soccer.

The venue for this outdoor event has not yet been announced, but doors it will begin at 5:30 p.m., officials said. Attendees are encouraged to bring a towel or blanket.

Before she announced her retirement, Delran Mayor Gary Catrambone reached out to Lloyd to discuss celebrating her return home from the Tokyo Olympics.

“We wanted an event that would be fun for Carli,” Catrambone said. “When she told me she would be retiring; I knew we needed to do even more. Carli is an inspiration to young athletes and children everywhere, but especially here at home in Delran. We have all watched her tenacity and hard work from the time she was a little girl, and we really wanted to show our appreciation.”

"Growing up in Delran was an amazing experience for me,” Lloyd said. “I formed so many friendships and memories, and it helped lay the foundation for my path of becoming a professional soccer player. As a little girl, I was always going to the local fields, practicing on my own or with the boys. I have always carried Delran and the memories I had growing up throughout my journey. I was grateful for the amazing parade in 2008 and now especially grateful to be able to come back and have a celebration with everyone in town at the end of my 16-year career."

The 39-year-old Lloyd played in four World Cups (25 matches total), four Olympic Games (22 total), was twice named the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year (2008 & 2015) and was twice named the FIFA Women's Player of the Year (2015 & 2016). She and Mia Hamm (2001 & 2002) are the only two Americans to win FIFA Women's Player of the Year twice. Read more here: NJ Native, Soccer Star Carli Lloyd Announces Retirement

Lloyd's playing career began in New Jersey. She was a four-time All Big East Selection and three-time All-American when she played at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

Her career will end locally, as well. Lloyd will close out her career with the U.S. Women's National Team during a series of yet-to-be-announced friendlies that will take place in September and October.

She will also play out the remainder of the National Women's Soccer League schedule as a member of NJ/NY Gotham FC.

One of those games will be played at Subaru Park, home of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union, on Oct. 6, 7 p.m. against the Washington Spirit.

“I am beyond thankful to Gotham FC and the Philadelphia Union for making this happen,” Lloyd said. “I have played many games at Subaru Park with the National Team and to have the opportunity to play in front of my home crowd on the club level will be an amazing memory. Let's be loud and fill the stadium.”

Soccer clubs and others who want to be a part of this special event together can contact the Philadelphia Union Group Sales Team by email at groups@philadelphiaunion.com or by phone at 610-497-9909.

General public tickets went on sale Thursday at gothamfc.com and philadelphiaunion.com. Fans can also purchase tickets by calling 877-218-6466.