Seattle Sounders FC today announced its “Celebrating 10 Years in MLS” campaign, a season-long initiative to tell the story of the club’s emergence, growth and success in Major League Soccer over its 10 years in the league. Over the course of the 2019 campaign, the team plans to unveil a great deal of exclusive content across all platforms that utilizes both current and former players and coaches to share stories of not only the iconic moments that have shaped the club, but tales and insight that even the most ardent fans may not know.
Joining the team in its celebratory efforts is Premera Blue Cross, who becomes Sounders FC’s presenting partner of the 2019 season, as well as the team’s official health plan provider. Premera’s position as season presenting partner is a first for Sounders FC, with fans able to see the partnership reflected across multiple team platforms throughout the year as Premera helps the Rave Green celebrate its 10 years in Major League Soccer campaign. Premera is set to sponsor the exclusive #SFC10 video content over the course of the year and be visible on the Green Zone and 300-level branding at CenturyLink Field on matchdays.
“We’re thrilled about partnering with Premera and welcoming them as our 2019 season presenting partner during this special year,” said Sounders FC Chief Operating Officer Bart Wiley. “As we celebrate 10 years in MLS this season, we are looking forward to be able to share so much unique content with our fans, and we’re happy to welcome Premera as part of that effort.”
“Premera is excited to partner with Sounders FC during this special season,” said Jim Havens, a Senior Vice President at Premera. “The Sounders draw some of the most passionate fans in Major League Soccer and we’re happy to celebrate this milestone year with them.”
The club will house its Celebrating 10 Years in MLS content on a special microsite, SoundersFC.com/SFC10, with exciting additions made throughout the course of the entire season.
Some elements fans can look forward to include:
- Once a Sounder mini-documentary series that brings fans into the current-day lives of their favorite former Sounders and notable team alumni, including players such as DeAndre Yedlin, Freddie Ljungberg, Michael Gspurning and more
- Trophy Talk video series that provides an in-depth look at each of Sounders FC’s six major championship victories
- Top 10 lists that delve into moments collected over the course of Sounders FC history and cover everything from on-the-pitch moments to off-the-pitch player hairstyles
- Legacies moments that creatively and artistically combine great players and moments from the past with the present day
- Best XI voting campaign where fans, media and other club stakeholders have the chance to vote for their top 11 Sounders FC players over the past 10 years, with voting to take place over a four-week period that leads to the crowning of the official Sounders FC Best XI
- Special in-stadium content and giveaways
- Much more to be announced at a later date
Sounders FC Season Members have already received a special piece of the #SFC10 campaign, as their season membership packs arrived in exclusive Sounders FC tins this season, rather than the usual boxes. This year’s tin serves as representation of the traditional material gift for celebrating 10 years. Along with ticketing components and a special keepsake booklet celebrating 10 of the club’s most iconic moments, the tin further contains a special gift of a Rave Green flag, decorated with the Sounders FC crest and the name of every player in club history.
A #SFC10-themed match opens the season for the Rave Green, as Sounders FC and Premera present the club’s MLS home opener on Saturday, March 2, with Seattle facing expansion side FC Cincinnati in a 7:00 p.m. PT kickoff in front of a nationally-televised broadcast on FS1. Matchday is set to be filled with elements celebrating Sounders FC history, including recognition of the 2009 team – with some special guests in attendance. Additionally, the club plans to honor the life and memory of Head Coach Sigi Schmid and the legacy he built in Seattle. Additional details surrounding these activities will be shared publicly in the days ahead.
As season presenting partner and reflecting the commitment of both Premera and Sounders FC to the Western Washington community, Premera is also bringing a new Community Corner ticketing initiative at all Sounders FC regular season home games in 2019. Integrating the company’s tagline, “Always in Your Corner,” the Community Corner – located in the northeast 100-level of the stadium – is dedicated to hosting community groups that are doing invaluable work throughout the region.
Along with Community Corner, Premera is committing nearly $40 million over five years to support efforts across Washington and Alaska to address a wide variety of behavioral health issues such as addiction and adverse childhood experiences, with a specific focus on how these issues impact homelessness.
