Sounders FC kicks off its 2019 MLS campaign this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. PT at CenturyLink Field in a nationally televised game on FS1 that has the Rave Green taking on expansion side FC Cincinnati. The team is Celebrating 10 Years in MLS this season, and fans are encouraged to arrive at the match early to take advantage of some special opportunities to recognize Seattle’s inaugural 2009 team. Additionally, the family of former Head Coach Sigi Schmid will be present as Sounders FC honors the life of its first MLS manager prior to the match with the presentation of a Golden Scarf.
On their way to the match, fans can stop by The NINETY to experience a new “10 Years in MLS” display, presented by season presenting partner and matchday partner Premera Blue Cross. The new board features a tiled listing of every home game in Sounders FC history, with augmented reality additions that can be accessed through the Sounders FC mobile app. While enjoying this interactive display, fans can also grab a beer from Shawn O’Donnell’s bar. A portion of proceeds benefit RAVE Foundation, Sounders FC’s charitable arm.
There is a special opportunity for fans to snag exclusive Sounders FC items through RAVE Foundation’s 10 Years in MLS Matchday Auction, which includes items such as a framed and autographed photo of the club’s 2009 inaugural match Starting XI, official locker nameplates from alumni players, pre-match sideline passes and a variety of autographed items and memorabilia. Proceeds benefit RAVE’s mission of building small fields for free play and investing in programs that use soccer as a vehicle to inspire youth and strengthen communities. Fans attending the match in person can view auction items in Soccer Celebration, and all can access the item list and bid online at Sounders.Givesmart.com. Bidding is currently open and runs through the end of halftime on Saturday evening.
As seasoned fans know, there is no better way to ring in a Sounders matchday than joining the March to the Match, which departs Occidental Park at 6:00 p.m. PT, making its way to CenturyLink Field. Matchday host Ken Carson and Sound Wave will be on hand in Occidental Park to get fans fired up prior to the March.
Stadium gates open at 5:30 p.m. PT and fans visiting Soccer Celebration in the northwest concourse should be sure to stop by the Premera Blue Cross booth to receive autographs from members of Sounders FC’s 2009 inaugural squad. Players including Sebastien Le Toux, Brad Evans, Nate Jaqua, Patrick Ianni and many others are scheduled to attend.
McDonald’s, the Official Breakfast of Sounders FC, is also presenting outside the northwest gates in Soccer Celebration to give out free samples of their newest breakfast addition, and at the Lexus activation, fans can check out the latest model and kick some soccer balls to win a prize.
Prior to kickoff, the 2009 team is being honored with an on-field ceremony, recognizing all players in attendance and their contributions to starting Sounders FC’s MLS launch. The team is then helping to honor the life of former Head Coach Sigi Schmid, who passed away in December and left a lasting mark not only on Seattle and Sounders FC, but all of U.S. Soccer. Schmid’s family is accepting a Golden Scarf on his behalf.
Prior to the match, on Friday, March 1 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. PT, fans can also take advantage of a unique opportunity to spend time with some of their favorite former players, as alums Sebastien Le TouxandMike Fucito help pour drinks at Flatstick Pub in Pioneer Square (240 Second Avenue), and Brad Evans, Taylor Graham and Tyson Wahl tend bar at Fuel Seattle (164 S. Washington Street).
Sounders FC Season Memberships are still available, with full information available at SoundersFC.com or by calling 877-MLS-GOAL. For complete information, details and pricing on 2019 Sounders FC Season Memberships, fans should call 877-MLS-GOAL or email Sales@SoundersFC.com. Complete information on all Sounders FC ticket packages can be found at SoundersFC.com/Tickets.
