SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC is encouraging fans to arrive early for tonight’s match against the Colorado Rapids (7:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, ROOT SPORTS, Univision-Seattle, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360 AM), as the club celebrates Military Appreciation Night. A variety of military-related activities are planned, including a patriotic-themed on-field opening ceremony, a remembrance tribute displayed in the North Plaza and various military fan engagement stations inside Soccer Celebration. Additionally, fans are reminded that westbound I-90 is reduced to a single lane near Bellevue Way due to construction from Friday, May 20 at 11:00 p.m. PT to Monday, May 23 at 5:00 a.m. PT.
In honor of Military Appreciation Night, over 200 service members and junior ROTC cadets are set to be on-field presenting a patriotic-themed opening ceremony, including 22 children of service members escorting Sounders FC and Colorado Rapids players hand-in-hand during the team march. The opening ceremony also includes special performances of “God Bless America” by Sgt. First Class Patricia Conyers and the National Anthem by MU1(SW) Mallory McKendry from the Navy Band Northwest. Following the anthem, a flyover is scheduled, featuring a C-17 Globemaster III (weather permitting). A customized Sounders FC military coin is being used for the official’s coin toss, which is set to be accompanied by service members representing each military branch. Sounders FC captain Brad Evans is also wearing a camouflaged-branded captain’s armband throughout Saturday’s match.
A military remembrance tribute is being displayed in the North Plaza, accompanied by service members, while Soccer Celebration is set to host multiple fan engagement booths, including a Marine Pull-Up Bar challenge and special discounts and opportunities for service members on-hand. SoundWave is also set to include a four-soldier representation in full Army uniform. Additionally, CenturyLink Field is set to feature in-stadium graphics in honor of Military Appreciation, as well as a video showcasing Sounders FC’s visit to Joint Base Lewis-McChord earlier this month.
To celebrate the $2 Sounders FC Scratch ticket, Washington’s Lottery and Seattle Sounders FC are throwing a pre-match party at The NINETY, Sounders FC’s event space located at the club's Pioneer Square headquarters. The celebration runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT, with Sounders FC defender Román Torres set to be present to meet fans and sign autographs from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. PT. Fans that purchase one $2 Sounders FC Scratch ticket receive one entry for the drawing to win a sideline couch experience at an upcoming Sounders FC match, and fans that spend $10 on Sounders FC Scratch tickets receive five entries to the drawing and get a chance to spin the prize wheel. Additionally, two $100 gift cards to the Sounders FC Pro Shop are set to be given away at the event.
Saturday’s March to the Match festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. PT in Occidental Park before KIRO Radio 97.3 FM and Jason Rantz take the stage at 5:30 p.m. PT. The first 80 fans to stop by the KIRO Radio booth can pick-up a special Sounders FC KIRO Radio 97.3 FM scarf. Fans can also enter to win four club level tickets to the first full-stadium match of the season on June 25 when the Rave Green takes on New York City FC. The March itself, one of the best traditions in American sports started by the Emerald City Supporters, departs from Occidental Park at 6:00 p.m. PT for CenturyLink Field.
Those inside the stadium on Saturday are invited to stop by the following Soccer Celebration booths for activities and prizes from various corporate partners. Soccer Celebration activities are located at the Northwest Gate, inside the stadium at the North Plaza and throughout the CenturyLink Field Plaza.
- Great Clips – Visit the Great Clips Hairspray booth to get your hair sprayed with your favorite team colors to support and cheer on Sounders FC.
- McDonald’s – McDonald’s restaurants of Western Washington are set to be outside the northwest gates in Soccer Celebration giving out free samples of French fries.
- 76 Sideline Upgrade – When fans show a Kickback Card or sign-up for and enroll a new card, the match experience can be upgraded through the 76® Sideline Upgrade and includes a swag bag. Visit the 76® Gasoline booth by the Red Zone Suite entrance before the end of halftime each regular season Sounders FC home match.
- Starfire Sports – Stop by the Starfire Sports booth for a soccer juggling competition with the chance to win some great prizes.
- Snoqualmie Casino – Stop by the Snoqualmie Casino booth for a chance to win show tickets, dining offers and casino play, as well as complimentary dining offers available to the first 200 fans with a Military ID (must be 21 years or older to participate).
Following last weekend's road loss, Sounders FC (4-5-1, 13 points) hosts the Colorado Rapids (7-2-3, 24 points) Saturday evening on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. PT, with pre-match television coverage from JOEtv beginning at 6:30 p.m. PT. Saturday's contest is also being broadcast locally on Univision-Seattle, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM and El Rey 1360 AM, and throughout the Pacific Northwest on ROOT SPORTS.
