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Irvine’s Great Park to Host U.S. Men’s National Team Training for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Issue # 0586

Author

Joshua Tjia
11 Mar

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

⚽️🥅 Irvine’s Great Park to Host U.S. Men’s National Team Training for 2026 FIFA World Cup

🖼️🎨 Step Into Local History at the OC Archives Bazaar at Irvine’s Great Park

🍩🍃  Minty Treat Alert: Oreo Donuts and Mint Shakes Arrive at Rose Bakery Café

🐖🎭 See George Orwell’s Animal Farm Come to Life at Concordia University March 13–22

🔬🚌  University High Students Capture Regional Science Bowl Title, Headed to Nationals in D.C.

🧴🥴 Relief for Itchy Skin: Common Causes and Tips for Healthier Skin

🌳🚶🏻‍♀️ Find Calm in Nature: Join a Guided Woodland Wellness Walk on Mar. 26

🎶🎸 Free Hands-On Guitar Care Workshop Coming to Irvine Art & Music Center, Mar. 14

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛ Meet Sirius: A Sweet and Playful Cat Looking for His Forever Home in Irvine

🤽‍♀️ UC Irvine Women’s Water Polo Defeats Concordia 16–10

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚙🚓 21-Year-Old Arrested for Reckless Driving in Irvine Parking Lot

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

🌟🏪🎉Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Are dogs good at science?

Well, labs are!

We hope this joke brings some laughter to your day! 😁

Irvine’s Great Park to Host U.S. Men’s National Team Training for 2026 FIFA World Cup

The U.S. Men’s National Team has selected Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine as its official base camp training site for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team will train at the facility during the tournament, highlighting Irvine’s athletic facilities and the city’s investment in sports venues that support high-level competition while remaining accessible to the community.

Step Into Local History at the OC Archives Bazaar at Irvine’s Great Park

History comes alive at the Orange County Archives Bazaar: Beyond the Archive on Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Great Park. This free, all-ages event invites the community to explore Southern California stories through exhibits, presentations, and hands-on activities that highlight memory, music, and local culture.

Minty Treat Alert: Oreo Donuts and Mint Shakes Arrive at Rose Bakery Café

Rose Bakery Cafe is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with limited-time treats, including St. Patrick’s Oreo Donuts and creamy Mint Shakes. The festive green desserts are available for a short time, inviting guests to stop by and enjoy a sweet, minty holiday treat before they’re gone.

See George Orwell’s Animal Farm Come to Life at Concordia University March 13–22

Concordia University Irvine will present a stage adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, adapted by Ian Wooldridge and directed by Lori C. Siekmann, from March 13–22 at the Studio Theatre. The production brings Orwell’s famous political allegory to life, exploring themes of power, truth, and inequality.

University High Students Capture Regional Science Bowl Title, Headed to Nationals in D.C.

University High School’s Science Bowl team won first place at the Regional Science Bowl competition, marking their seventh win in nine years. The fast-paced, buzzer-style event tested students across disciplines including math, physics, chemistry, biology, and earth and space sciences. The winning team represent the region at the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. this April.

Relief for Itchy Skin: Common Causes and Tips for Healthier Skin

Itchy skin is a common condition that can disrupt daily life and affect overall comfort. It may be caused by issues such as dry skin, insect bites, allergic reactions like hives, heat rash, eczema, scabies, psoriasis, or certain pregnancy-related conditions. Practicing good skin care habits and protecting your skin can help reduce irritation and prevent flare-ups.

Quick Tips to Help Prevent Itchy Skin

• Limit exposure to extreme temperatures and prolonged sun exposure
• Choose fragrance-free soaps, lotions, and skincare products
• Apply moisturizer and sunscreen regularly to protect the skin barrier
• Bathe with lukewarm water instead of hot water
• Avoid areas with tall grass that may contain insects or allergens
• Use insect repellent when spending time outdoors
• Manage stress through activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing
• Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day

If itching persists, medical evaluation may help identify the underlying cause and provide effective treatment options.

Find Calm in Nature: Join a Guided Woodland Wellness Walk on Mar. 26

Take a mindful break in nature at the Woodland Wellness Walk at Irvine Regional Park on Thursday, March 26 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), this free, guided, slow-paced walk encourages participants to connect with nature through their senses, meditation, and relaxation along the trail. Registration opens tomorrow (March 12 at 12 a.m.).

Free Hands-On Guitar Care Workshop Coming to Irvine Art & Music Center, Mar. 14

The Irvine Art & Music Center will host a free guitar maintenance workshop on Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m., led by technician Mike. Participants will learn how to properly clean and maintain acoustic or electric guitars or basses and practice restringing their instruments during the hands-on session. Attendees are encouraged to bring their instruments, ask questions, and rsvp here.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. March 11, 7:00 - 8:30 PM: Spring Vocal Music Concert, NHS Theater

  2. March 13: Night of the Arts – Jazz Ensemble I, Wind Symphony, Philharmonic, NHS Theater

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://timbmusic.org/events/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. March 12: Orchestra Music Festival Concert, WHS Performing Arts Center

  2. March 13: Band Music Festival Concert, WHS Performing Arts Center

  3. March 16: Wind Ensemble & Philharmonic Festival, IHS Performing Arts Center

  4. March 20: WHS Carnival

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.whs-music.org/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. March 20, 7:00 PM: Spring Concert, WHS Performing Arts Center

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

  1. March 13: Spring Rally

  2. March 15, 3:00 PM: Plotkin Foundation Performance, Plotkin Art Gallery

  3. March 17, 7:00 PM: Spring Concert, Irvine High PAC

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html 

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusicbooster.org/buy-ticket

Meet Sirius: A Sweet and Playful Cat Looking for His Forever Home in Irvine

Meet Sirius, a friendly and charming cat available for adoption at the Irvine Animal Care Center. This affectionate feline loves pets, enjoys meeting new people, and has a playful personality that makes him a great companion. If you’re looking for a sweet new best friend, Sirius may be the perfect match.

Learn more about Sirius and other adoptable pets, including adoption hours, at cityofirvine.org/animals.

UC Irvine Women’s Water Polo Defeats Concordia 16–10

UCI women's water polo defeated Concordia 16–10, building an early lead and pulling away with five goals in the fourth quarter. Sara Naulty and Deirdre Murphy led, scoring three goals each.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Tennis

  • Wed, Mar 11 – vs VCU, 12:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  • Wed, Mar 11 – vs UC Santa Barbara, 6:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Baseball

  • Fri, Mar 13 – vs Riverside, 1:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  • Fri, Mar 13 – vs Orange Coast, 6:00 PM

Women’s Flag Football

  • Thu, Mar 12 – vs Cypress, 4:30 PM

  • Sat, Mar 14 – vs Long Beach State, 12:00 PM

Women’s Beach Volleyball

  • Fri, Mar 13 – vs Santa Ana, 10:00 AM

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With March Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

March 2026

Wednesday, March 11

  • Beach Volleyball, Girls - 4:00 PM vs El Dorado

  • Lacrosse, Girls - 4:30 PM vs Santa Barbara

21-Year-Old Arrested for Reckless Driving in Irvine Parking Lot

Irvine police responded to reports of a reckless driver doing burnouts and donuts in a parking lot near Alton Parkway and Jeffrey Road. Officers found a Mercedes spinning out of control near a group of people and arrested a 21-year-old man from Van Nuys for reckless driving. His car was impounded for 30 days.

Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you’re a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! “Irvine Insider” is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our city. Let’s collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special.

Click the link below and fill out the Local Business Spotlight Application Form to be featured and let’s celebrate the spirit of Irvine together!

Irvine Insider is sent to a local audience of Irvine residence Monday through Friday with 50% - 60% open rate. Our newsletter is a great way to reach Irvine residents.

  • Kaiser Permanente Irvine Farmers Market

  • Saturday Farmers Market at Mariners Church Irvine

    • When: Saturday, 8 AM - 12 PM

    • Where: 5428 Bonita Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA 92603

  • Great Park Certified Farmers Market

  • Manassero Farmers

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 4:30 PM

    • Where: 33 Irvine Valley, Irvine, CA 92604

  • Tanaka Farms

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM

    • Where: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

    • More Info:Tanaka Farms

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