SEATTLE, WASH. - As Seattle Sounders FC prepares to host Toronto FC on Saturday, May 6 in a nationally televised rematch of December's 2016 MLS Cup, the club encourages fans to arrive early to take advantage of unique pre-match elements surrounding GiveBIG, Seattle Foundation's annual 24-hour giving campaign to raise funds for area nonprofits.
Fans are also reminded that kickoff of Saturday's bout has been adjusted by Major League Soccer and is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. PT - with gates opening at 10:30 a.m. PT - not 1:00 p.m. PT as originally announced. In order to take full advantage of matchday activities and the game itself, please plan accordingly for the noon kickoff and come prepared with a clear bag no larger than 12"x6"x12" for any items, as the CenturyLink Field clear bag policy continues to be in effect for all Sounders FC events.
2017 marks the seventh year that Sounders FC has partnered with Seattle Foundation through the GiveBIG campaign, working to promote the 24-hour giving period where King County residents are encouraged to give to local nonprofits. In 2016, GiveBIG raised over $22 million for Greater Seattle charities.
"We are thrilled to continue working with Seattle Foundation and the annual GiveBIG program," said Sounders FC Chief Operating Officer Bart Wiley. "This program funds so many amazing nonprofits and showcases our community's heart for giving and making a difference. The Sounders are proud to play a role in enhancing the visibility of an effort that has such a deep collective impact on the region."
GiveBIG 2017 takes place on Wednesday, May 10 and the Rave Green have special plans to encourage giving and involvement, starting with matchday on May 6, where the highlight will be what is on each players' feet.
Leading up to the match, Sounders FC players and coaching staff all selected their own GiveBIG nonprofits to promote and, on Saturday, in a unique nod to their chosen organization, Seattle players will also write a personalized message on their matchday boots, so that every step they take on the pitch highlights the charity for which they play. Following the match, the autographed boots will be donated to each nonprofit for that organization to use in its own fundraising efforts.
GIVEBIG RESOURCES
PHOTOS - PLAYER BOOTS WITH NONPROFITS: http://sndrs.com/eee7
"Now, more than ever, it's important to support our community and invest in the impactful nonprofits that aredoing so much to make our region a stronger, more vibrant place for everyone," said Tony Mestres, Seattle Foundation President & CEO. "The Seattle Sounders are incredible partners who care deeply about our community and show what it means to give big."
Fans should plan to stop by The NINETY prior to the match, where Seattle Foundation CEO Tony Mestres will discuss GiveBIG's impact on the community and its partnership with Sounders FC with Matchday Insider host Jason Rantz at 10:30 a.m. Fans can read about nonprofits participating in GiveBIG, schedule donations and take photos with life-sized Instagram frames to share support for their favorite organizations. Fan-favorite Zach Scott is also scheduled to be in attendance from 10:30 a.m. through kickoff, representing Sounders FC's charitable arm, RAVE Foundation.
The NINETY also sports a fresh look, with new additions to the trophy case including the 2016 MLS Cup, Western Conference trophy and the gloves worn by goalkeeper Stefan Frei during his MLS Cup MVP-winning performance. Furthermore, a fresh display showcasing all 14 of the Rave Green's kits throughout the years is sure to be a hit with fans both new and old.
In Occidental Park, artist Kris Orlowski - a Seattle local also scheduled in the lineup of the upcoming Upstream Music Fest - performs a free concert for fans from 9:45-10:30 a.m. PT, prior to the March to the Match.
At the team's Soccer Celebration area in the North Plaza, 17 different nonprofits join the team for a nonprofit fair. Groups include Sounders FC's charitable arm, RAVE Foundation, America SCORES, Seattle Children's and other Sounders FC community partners. At the nonprofit fair, fans can enter to win an autographed Sounders FC jersey and $2,500 for their favorite GiveBIG nonprofit through Dollars for Change. At halftime of the match, the winner is set to be brought onto the pitch and presented with the prizes. Also at halftime, a special GiveBIG PSA featuring Sounders FC is scheduled to debut in-stadium.
In addition to wearing their nonprofit support, each player and coaching staff member will have his GiveBIG choice highlighted on the videoboards throughout the game. Fans can use the tag #GiveBIG to share their own favorite .
In addition to the GiveBIG-related activities, fans are also invited to take advantage of promotions with team partners Delta Air Lines and Alcatel.
Delta Air Lines is selecting 11 fans to be drafted into the first-ever Fan Starting XI. Fans can stop in at Soccer Celebration to get an official team headshot and nominate themselves or a friend based on which of the 11 fan positions fits them best. The winning lineup - announced later this summer - joins the team on the road at LA in July.
Alcatel offers fans a custom Sounders FC virtual reality experience at its booth, with content shared on the Idol 4S. Fans can also try Alcatel's "social vending machine," which provides a variety of prizes - from Pro Shop gift cards to on-pitch experiences. The first 1,500 fans at the booth also receive a Sounders FC player emoji cutout.
Following a thrilling match against New England last Saturday, in which Seattle scored three goals in 13 minutes to overcome a 3-0 deficit late in the game, the team takes on Toronto FC's bevy of superstars in Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley and Sebastian Giovinco this Saturday (12:00 p.m. PT / ESPN, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360 AM). Brian Schmetzer's squad then heads on an extended road trip, facing the Chicago Fire and Sporting Kansas City within a period of five days. Sounders FC currently sits tied for sixth place in the Western Conference.
Fans can still purchase single-match tickets to any the team's remaining home contests, including an upcoming can't-miss battle against archrival the Portland Timbers on May 27. Seating for all games is subject to availability at time of purchase. Single-match tickets can be purchased via the following link: SoundersFC.com/Tickets/Single-Match-Tickets.
2017 Season Ticket Memberships, including new seat options in the upper bowl, are still available by calling 877-MLS-GOAL or emailing Sales@SoundersFC.com. Complete information on all Sounders FC ticket packages can be found at SoundersFC.com/Tickets.
