Seattle Sounders FC today announced details surrounding its 2023 Media Match, officially scheduled for Friday, September 1 at 2:00 p.m. PT on the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field. The event provides media members an opportunity to battle each other on the pitch the day before Seattle hosts Portland in an always-anticipated rivalry matchup on Saturday, September 2 (7:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360 AM).
While the Media Match is closed to the public, fans should be aware that demand for Sounders FC’s match vs. Portland is high, with Lumen Field’s lower bowl currently expected to sell out. The club is currently opening further seating options in the upper level and fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets as soon as possible in order to secure the best available options. Additionally, the September 2 Cascadia clash includes a special **Youth Soccer Night ticket offer**, allowing youth teams, soccer families, coaches and parents the ability to receive exclusive Sounders-branded soccer socks with ticket purchase, while supplies last.
Media members wishing to play in the 2023 Sounders FC Media Match must RSVP with Kelly Schutz of Sounders FC Communications [KellyS@SoundersFC.com] no later than 5:00 p.m. PT on Wednesday, August 16. While not held to a strict 18 players per team, roster spots for the Media Match are limited and media who attend Sounders FC matches and cover the team on a regular basis are given priority.
Media members who wish to cheer colleagues on but not play themselves are welcome to attend, though kits are only provided to those playing in the match. If planning to attend as a spectator, please RSVP.
Started in 2019, the Sounders FC Media Match gives credentialed club media the chance to compete against colleagues in a full kit, 90-minute game at Lumen Field, with the winning team claiming the coveted Sounders FC Media Cup. The match features guest coaches and special elements to replicate a matchday experience. No previous soccer experience is necessary, and the club encourages players of all ability levels to join in.
The Media Cup – inscribed with each year’s winning team name – is displayed in the Gary Wright Press Box on Sounders matchdays, alongside a photo of the winning team. Participating media are provided with authentic Sounders FC kits for the match, including a personalized jersey that may be kept as a keepsake.
The 2023 Media Match features Team Rave Green vs. Team Bruce Lee, representing Sounders FC's primary and secondary kits. Team Rave Green won the inaugural match in 2019, followed by a decisive 6-3 victory for Team Nightfall in 2020. After a break in play in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event returned in 2022, where Team Rave Green claimed the Media Cup over Team Hendrix following a first-ever penalty shootout when the scoreline was tied after regulation.
For further information about the 2023 Sounders FC Media Match, please contact a member of Sounders FC Communications.
WHAT: 2023 Sounders FC Media Match
WHERE: Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field (800 Occidental Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98134)
WHEN: Friday, September 1 – 2:00 p.m. PT kickoff
*Lumen Field and media locker rooms accessible beginning at 1:00 p.m. PT; timing subject to change based upon Sounders FC First Team training schedule
HOW: Media members wishing to play in the 2023 Sounders FC Media Match must RSVP with Kelly Schutz of Sounders FC Communications [KellyS@SoundersFC.com] no later than 5:00 p.m. PT on Wednesday, August 16. Interested media are asked to provide sizing for authentic jersey and shorts, as well as preferred jersey personalization (name and number).
Please note that roster spots are limited and media who attend matches to cover the team on a regular basis are given priority.
