As Sounders FC prepares for two home matches this week – Wednesday, June 23 vs. Real Salt Lake and Saturday, June 26 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC – the club today announced special activities planned for each contest, as well as reminding fans to arrive early, as entry may take slightly longer than usual due to the required vaccination verification processes.
As announced earlier this month, the Rave Green are undergoing a phased reopening approach, which sees Lumen Field transitioning to full capacity throughout the lower bowl for Sounders FC matches, starting on June 23. Due to current State of Washington health regulations, proof of full vaccination is currently required for fans to attend in full capacity sections. Children ages 5-15 who are not fully vaccinated or not eligible to be vaccinated can attend in full capacity sections with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of kickoff.
With all fans seated in the lower bowl required to provide verification for their vaccination status – or the proof of a negative test for children – Sounders FC encourages fans to arrive to both matches early this week, allowing for plenty of time to account for the club’s new vaccine verification policy.
The week is set to be an exciting one, first seeing Sounders FC face Real Salt Lake on Wednesday evening (7:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM) as the Rave Green look to remain Major League Soccer’s lone unbeaten team. Matchday sponsor Prime Video is providing a matchday giveaway – the first matchday giveaway since March of 2020 – with 10,000 Sounders FC and Prime Video co-branded rally towels handed out at entry gates.
Additionally, as part of MLS’ partnership with the White House’s COVID-19 vaccine incentive program, Sounders FC is offering special deals at the Pro Shop. Vaccinated fans can receive 30% off the club’s Forever Green primary kit, 2020-21 on-field headwear and the team’s “jersey hook” style scarf.
Following Wednesday, the team sees a quick turnaround to Saturday’s match, where Sounders FC takes on Vancouver Whitecaps FC in a Cascadia clash (6:00 pm. PT / JOEtv, Prime Video, Univision-Seattle, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM). The game marks the Rave Green’s Pride Match, a culmination of the club’s Pride Month celebrations.
Longtime matchday sponsor of Sounders FC’s Pride Match, Starbucks is giving away 12,000 co-branded Sounders FC and Starbucks Pride-themed headbands at entry gates.
Fans will notice Pride-themedmatchday elements throughout the stadium, including flags, video board graphics, enhanced pyrotechnics and a giant Progress Pride flag flying above Lumen Field. The ceremonial raising event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 24 at noon, and the flag will fly through Sunday, June 27. Media are invited to attend the raising and should contact a member of Sounders FC Communications if they are interested in doing so.
At halftime, a collaborative PSA featuring representatives from all of Seattle’s major league professional sports teams is being shown. The PSA promotes the gender diversity toolkit created by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association and nonprofit Gender Diversity, with the goal of making Washington State the most inclusive place for youth sports participation in the country. Earlier this month, the six teams announced their public support of the toolkit.
On the field, players are sporting special jersey numbers on their kits, modeled after the Progress Pride flag, and captain’s armbands are similarly patterned. During the warmup period and on the sidelines, Sounders FC is wearing special Pride training tops.
The team’s “Scarves Up!” moment is set to be led by Ebo Barton, a decorated local queer poet. Earlier this month, Barton joined Sounders FC in hosting a special event for gender diverse youth that offered a poetry workshop led by Barton as well as a soccer clinic led by former Sounder and current team Brand Ambassador Brad Evans.
And for fans watching the game from home or planning to eat before coming to the game, Sounders FC encourages them to “Spend with Pride” and participate in Intentionalist’s month-long program to promote and buy from local LGBTQ+-owned establishments.
By uploading receipts from local LGBTQ+-owned businesses, fans have the chance to win prizes from their favorite teams, including Sounders FC. Seattle’s six major league professional sports teams are encouraging this activity all month long, with the ultimate goal of reaching $25,000 in spending. If the goal is reached, all six teams will then make a collective donation to support nonprofit Gender Diversity.
For additional information regarding Sounders FC matchdays and the current vaccination requirement for the club’s upcoming matches, visit SoundersFC.com/Matchday/VaccinatedSections. The club has also created a helpful Know Before You Go guide that fans can access as they plan their visit to a match.
