Seattle Sounders FC today announced matchday activities surrounding the club’s home match tomorrow afternoon, September 11, against Minnesota United (2:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, Prime Video, Univision-Seattle, 1090 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM). The day marks 20 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, a seminal event in the history of the country.
Both clubs are wearing distinctive remembrance patches on their jerseys, located in the center front of the kit in between the adidas logos and club crests. Created by Major League Soccer, the patch is modeled on the one worn by clubs when MLS returned to action following the terrorist attacks in 2001. These patches will be featured on all team jerseys throughout the league this weekend.
A special pregame procession is planned, beginning with the unfurling of the American flag at midfield, held by local firefighters, service members and their families. Luke Schultz, a bagpiper from Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums is set to perform a rendition of Amazing Grace, a leading into a stadium-wide moment of silence to honor the lives lost on 9/11.
Following the moment of silence, the national anthem is being performed by local firefighter Keith Taylor, and a flyover by two United States Coast Guard H65 Dolphin helicopters is scheduled.
Just before kickoff, Sounders FC’s “Scarves Up!” moment is being led by local firefighter Christopher Martin. In 2001, Martin had just finished his master’s degree, with plans to become a physical therapist. Following the events of 9/11, however, Martin decided to switch career tracks and threw himself into training to become a firefighter and serve the city of Seattle. He has now been with Seattle Fire for 18 years.
Over 650 tickets for the day’s match have been distributed to firefighters from around the region. These special guests and their families have been invited to enjoy the game in further recognition of the selfless work of first responders.
Matchday sponsor the Puyallup Tribe’s Emerald Queen Casino is providing the day’s matchday giveaway, with 11,000 co-branded blankets available for fans as they enter the stadium. The blanket’s design is inspired by Sounders FC’s Jimi Hendrix Kit and features a Sounders FC crest, Puyallup Tribe logo and Jimi Hendrix signature reproduction.
Fans in attendance this weekend are also reminded of Sounders FC’s recently announced updated health and safety plan for the remainder of the 2021 season. Beginning with Saturday’s match, the club and Lumen Field are adopting King County’s expanded mask mandate for large events, which was requires everyone at Lumen Field to be masked at all times, in all areas of the stadium, unless actively eating or drinking while in a ticket seat or designated meal area. This policy will continue through the remainder of the 2021 season and postseason.
The announced COVID-19 vaccination requirement at Lumen Field – affecting all events at the stadium including Sounders FC matches, Seahawks games and any other stadium programming such as concerts or events – will not be in effect for the Rave Green until the October 3 home match vs. the Colorado Rapids. More information about the impending plan can be found here.
Additionally, to encourage fans who may not yet be vaccinated to do so, Sounders FC is offering special vaccination clinics ahead of both this Saturday’s match and this coming Tuesday’s 2021 Leagues Cup semifinal match.
In partnership with Discovery Health and Public Health – Seattle & King County, the Get A Jab, Get In vaccination clinics give fans the chance to receive COVID-19 vaccinations in exchange for two free tickets into the matches. Vaccinations are available outside the stadium along Occidental Avenue, between the northwest box office and the Lumen Field Pro Shop. The September 11 clinic is offered from 12:00 - 2:30 p.m. PT and the September 14 clinic is offered 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. PT. Walk-up appointments are accepted, but fans wishing to make appointments ahead of time can do so at the following links: September 11, September 14.
