SEATTLE – The Seattle Sounders announced Thursday they will host the second annual Pride Day at CenturyLink Field on June 25, continuing the team’s tradition as one of the world’s leading sports franchises celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer pride.
The Sounders will host New York City FC in a nationally televised match for Pride Day, the first of the team’s five full-stadium matches of the season. Kick off is set for 2 p.m. PT, and the match will be broadcast on ESPN, as well as KIRO Radio 97.3 FM and El Rey 1360 AM.
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray is set to receive a Golden Scarf during pre-match ceremonies along with other elements to promote messages of LGBTQ pride, and pride flags will be distributed to the first 50,000 fans upon entering the gates.
Sounders captain Brad Evans is once again set to wear a Pride-themed armband throughout the match against NYCFC, and further activities surrounding the match and the week leading up to the game will be announced at a later date.
“We are looking forward to celebrating Seattle’s LGBTQ community on June 25, and we are equally excited to recognize Mayor Murray with a Golden Scarf,” Sounders FC Owner Adrian Hanauer said. “Pride is a central part of our city’s culture, and we’re eager to support the community surrounding our match against New York City FC.”
A native of Aberdeen, Wash., Murray was elected Mayor of Seattle in 2013, becoming the first openly gay mayoral leader of the Emerald City.
Since 2009, the Sounders have honored soccer tradition and community empowerment before select home matches by presenting a Golden Scarf to a group or individual who has made an impact in their community. Last year’s Pride Day featured a Golden Scarf presentation to Jason Collins, a 13-year NBA veteran who became one of the first openly gay athletes in a major American team sport when he came out in a cover story for Sports Illustrated in 2013.
"I am humbled to be awarded the Sounders FC Golden Scarf as Seattle comes together to celebrate Pride," Murray said. "The Sounders have been a tremendous ally in recognizing and embracing LGBTQ fans and athletes of all sports. It's an honor to join the festivities during this year's Pride Match, which is quickly turning into a Seattle and MLS tradition."
Single-match tickets for the contest are now available via SoundersFC.com, while five-match packs for all full-stadium games are also available on the club’s official website or by calling (877) MLS-GOAL. Starting at $25 per seat, the five-match pack includes tickets to each of the full-stadium fixtures for the best possible value.
As part of a promotion with the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), the largest LGBT and allied chamber of commerce in North America, fans can purchase tickets to Pride Day for $22, with $3 going back to the GSBA Scholarship Fund. The Sounders have committed to match up to $5,000 of the funds raised to support GSBA Scholars.
Those interested can take advantage of this promotion by clicking here and using the code “GSBA16” at checkout.
The Sounders have proven to be a dominant host when playing in front of large crowds on its home turf. With crowds surpassing 45,000 or more, the Sounders hold a record of 15-2-3, including postseason play.
The June 25 match marks New York City FC’s first MLS visit to the Emerald City.
