Sounders FC today announced the various activities that the club is taking part in as it continues to celebrate Pride Month ahead of its fourth annual Pride Match, presented by Starbucks, taking on the Chicago Fire on Saturday, June 23 (7:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, Univision-Seattle, YouTube TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM). The club is slated to take part in a variety of activities, all culminating in Pride Match activities and participation in the Seattle Pride Parade the following day on Sunday, June 24.
On Tuesday, June 19 and Wednesday, June 20, Sounders FC staff are assisting with meal service at YouthCare’s John Orion Center, recognizing the fact that, among homeless youth and young adults, up to 40% of that population identifies as LGBTQ. Club staff members are set to help with cooking, serving and cleaning with the organization which works to end youth homelessness and ensure that young people are valued for who they are and are empowered to reach their potential.
On Thursday, June 21, the club plays host to the Inclusive Athletic Places Seminar for area youth sports coaches. Sponsored by Athlete Ally and led by Athlete Ally Executive Director Hudson Taylor, this free training session focuses on helping youth coaches create LGBTQ-inclusive athletic spaces by discussing the obstacles facing the LGBTQ community within sports, practical steps coaches can take to be better allies and providing a clear action plan that coaches can take back to their teams. Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer is set to speak to the attendees about his support for inclusive sports environments and how he models inclusion for the Rave Green.
Friday, June 22 sees Sounders FC raise a giant Pride flag at CenturyLink Field, courtesy of Starbucks, which will fly proudly throughout the weekend as the club heads into matchday on Saturday, June 23.
Before the game on Saturday evening, fans can stop by The Ninety for special Pride-themed cupcakes and learn more about Athlete Ally and its mission of providing equal access, opportunity and experience in sports regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
At the stadium, the steps in the North Plaza will be painted to reflect the rainbow colors of Pride, and fans shouldn’t miss an opportunity to take a unique photo there and are encouraged to use #SoundersPride to share their experiences at the game.
The match’s game presentation is set to feature Pride flags, team Pride logo banners and includes on-field volunteers from Pride of the Sound, Starbucks Pride Alliance Network and the Greater Seattle Business Alliance. Sounders FC is donating a portion of proceeds from a special ticket offer to benefit the GSBA Scholarship Fund. Tickets within this offer are still available, and give fans the opportunity to claim an exclusive clear, Pride-themed Sounders FC fanny pack along with their ticket to the match.
The Xbox Green Zone, located in the north end of the stadium, plays a special role in the evening’s festivities, as fans seated in those sections will find exclusive giveaway shirts at their seats, provided in part by Uber. When worn, the shirts create a human rainbow across the north end for the entire stadium to see. To be part of this unique opportunity, fans should purchase tickets via the ticket offer listed above. Uber is also partnering with Sounders FC to give away a number of player-autographed Pride scarves on matchday. Fans should follow the team on social media to learn how to win one of the signed scarves.
On the pitch Saturday night, Sounders FC’s captain is set to wear a Pride armband, and the team’sjerseys feature rainbow numbers – a first in team history. These unique jerseys are not available for sale, but fans can enter to win one of four match-worn Sounders FC Pride jerseys at SoundersFC.com/PrideWeek2018.
The club’s Dream Team for the evening is composed of LGBTQ youth from Seattle Girls School and their siblings and other allied students, while the national anthem is set to be performed by former GSBA Scholar Christina Brewer.
Prior to kickoff, the team honors former United States Women’s National Team goalkeeper Mary Harvey with a Golden Scarf for her contributions to inclusion. Harvey, who helped lead the USWNT to the 1991 World Cup title and 1996 Olympics, is credited with breaking the glass ceiling at FIFA, where she served as Director of Development from 2003-2008. She is also an active Athlete Ally ambassador and has helped spearhead the 2026 FIFA World Cup United Bid, working to ensure that the North American tournament will be the most diverse and inclusive World Cup to date.
Additionally, Sounders FC’s 2018 GSBA Scholar, Fredrick Anex-Schnauss, is to be recognized at halftime with a GSBA Scholarship check presentation. As announced last month, Sounders FC is providing $10,000 per year from 2018-2020 to a selected GSBA Scholar as part of the club’s strong, continuing commitment to supporting the LGBTQ and allied community in the Puget Sound region. Anex-Schnauss was selected as the club’s inaugural scholarship recipient.
Following the match, a number of Sounders FC players and staff, as well as the team’s band, Sound Wave, are scheduled to march in the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday, June 24, celebrating diversity and inclusion with the community.
For additional details regarding traffic alerts, matchday transportation options and maps, please visit SoundersFC.com/Matchday/Transportation/Guide. Sounders FC’s social media channels also continue to provide up-to-date information for media and fans as needed.
