As Sounders FC hosts San Diego Loyal SC at Lumen Field tomorrow night in the Rave Green’s closing contest of their preseason slate, the club today announced that it will use the match to honor frontline healthcare workers from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH).
In an exclusive opportunity for what is otherwise a closed-door match, the club provided VMFH with over 200 tickets to be distributed to employees and their families, inviting them to enjoy the game in appreciation of the extraordinary work that they have done, and continue to do, in the face of the COVID-19 public health crisis.
“We are so incredibly proud of, and grateful for, our frontline workers,” said Sounders FC President of Business Operations Peter Tomozawa. “As we prepare to welcome fans back to Lumen Field this season, it felt right that these community heroes be the first to see the Sounders on the pitch and experience the new matchday elements dedicated to creating a safe and healthy live sports experience.”
VMFH guests in attendance will be the first to be introduced to the updated safety measures at Lumen Field, which include elements like required face coverings, pod seating, touchless ticketing, touchless restroom upgrades, new food and beverage protocol and more. Earlier this week, Sounders FC received approval from regional health authorities, including Public Health – Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health, to welcome fans back to the stadium in a limited capacity.
The Rave Green close out preseason action this Saturday before opening the 2021 MLS season next Friday, April 16, hosting Minnesota United FC in a rematch of last year’s dramatic Western Conference Final comeback victory. That match kicks off at 6:30 p.m. PT and is being nationally televised on FS1.
