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MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Sounders FC Begins 2023 MLS Campaign this Sunday, Invites Fans to Enjoy Wide Variety of Matchday Activities

February 24, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


SEATTLE, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC today announced a host of matchday activities taking place this Sunday, February 26, as the club hosts its 2023 MLS season opener, presented by matchday sponsor Providence. The Rave Green face the Colorado Rapids in a Western Conference clash on the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field (5:00 p.m. PT / Apple TV, FS1, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM) and fans are encouraged to arrive early to take full advantage of these activations ahead of the game and celebrate the start of the season.

Gates open on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. PT. Fans wishing to take part in the Emerald City Supporters' official March to Match should gather in Occidental Square Park, with the march departing at 4:00 p.m. PT on its way to the stadium.

Sounders FC is partnering with CLEAR again this season to help fans get into Lumen Field quickly and smoothly. Fans can download the free CLEAR app, sign up and enter through designated CLEAR lanes located at the northwest entrance of the stadium.

To stock up on all the newest Sounders FC gear, fans can visit The Pro Shop at Lumen Field, which is accessible to all visitors, whether attending the match in-person or not. Available now, shoppers can also browse The Bruce Lee Collection, an exclusive, limited-edition retail line offered only in-store that features an exciting selection of Sounders FC x Bruce Lee-themed clothing and accessories, celebrating the club's newest look, The Bruce Lee Kit.

As a reminder for Season Ticket Members, for those that selected the option to pick up their Member gift in person - or for those who did not select an option - these gifts can be claimed at Sunday's match from 3:30 p.m. PT through 20 minutes post-match at the Southwest Field Level or Northeast Main Level. Members need to show their gift ticket for pickup and Sunday is the only match for which in-person pickup is being offered. For Members who selected to have their gift mailed, those packages have been shipped.

This season, the club continues to feature BIPOC and diverse-owned food truck and pop-up restaurants at matches throughout the season, presented by First & Goal Inc. and Levy. Curated by Intentionalist, these local small businesses align with Sounders FC's social impact and cultural calendar, giving fans the opportunity to discover new culinary delights with food trucks in Lumen Field's North Plaza and a pop-up restaurant location in Lumen Field's PNW Marketplace concessions area, located in the East Concourse outside of Section 113.

Sunday's specialty eateries all support local Black-owned small businesses in honor of Black History Month. The featured North Plaza food trucks are Swagg-n-Wagon, serving perfectly cooked fried chicken with sides like waffle fries and buttery cornbread, and Zuri's Gourmet Donutz, a specialty donut shop offering inventive and playful flavored pastries. At the PNW Marketplace, Taste of the Caribbean showcases Jamaican culture with delicious dishes like oxtail, jerk chicken, curried goat and fried plantains.

Those grabbing a treat from one of these featured businesses can upload their receipts at Intentionalist.com as part of February's Receipt and Receive campaign, a collaboration between all of Seattle's professional sports teams. All month long, fans are encouraged to "Spend like it Matters" at Black-owned businesses and upload receipts for a chance to win prizes from their favorite teams, including Sounders FC tickets and special autographed gear.

Additional concessions updates for the 2023 season include the opening of three Amazon Just Walk Out concession stands located on the East Main Level, giving fans the ability to easily grab and go for gameday needs. Sounders FC continues to offer batch cocktails at club level bars and the new Cityside Bars location in the north end of the stadium, including the Sounderita, crafted with Tequila Herradura. Liquor is also available at club level bars, but must be consumed within the club lounge, and fans anywhere in the stadium now may purchase up to two alcoholic beverages until the 75th minute, updated from the previous limit of one per person after halftime.

New this year, Sounders FC is hosting a 50/50 raffle at each home match during the regular season. Fans are invited to purchase raffle tickets from sellers located throughout the stadium from the time gates open through the 50th minute of play. The fan with the winning ticket receives 50 percent of the total amount raised through the raffle sales of the match, with the other 50 percent benefiting RAVE Foundation, the official charitable partner of Sounders FC. The winning raffle number is announced between minute 70 and 80 each match and posted to RaveFoundation.org/5050, where more details and official rules can also be found.

For fans on Sunday, stop by the West Concourse from 4:15 - 4:45 p.m. PT to listen in as former Sounders Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans record an episode of Side x Side, the club's official podcast. Along the concourse, fans can also enjoy live musical performances from Arami Walker and E. Pruitt as well as live DJ mixes from DJ Charma and DJ Vega.

Throughout the North Plaza, Northwest Marshalling and West Concourse of the stadium, a selection of games and activations can be found every match. On Sunday, these include:

Sounders Penalty Kick - A digital activation where fans get five chances to score a goal against a virtual goalkeeper.

Soccer Skee-ball - This activation allows fans to play a soccer-themed version of Skee-Ball, kicking a ball down a ramp, rather than rolling it, in order to score as many points as possible.

Soccer Billiards - Fans can play a soccer-themed version of pool, challenging a partner and kicking colored soccer balls into the oversized pool table pockets before their opponent does

RAVE 2026 Kick Experience - Learn about RAVE Foundation's 26 Fields by 2026 campaign and attempt to kick a soccer ball through a hole.

FIFA Gaming Station - Challenge an opponent to a friendly match of FIFA '23.

Pose With A Pro- This augmented reality photobooth places fans in photos with their favorite players.

Sit & Soccer - A one-on-one table soccer game where fans attempt to outscore their opponent.

Scarves Up! Photo Activation - Raise a scarf and recreate the club's iconic matchday moment in this new photobooth.

Sounders 'Til I Die Instagram Wall - Themed photo opportunity for fans to grab the perfect social media shot.

In 2023, Sounders FC is also offering special promotions and programs through several of its proud partners, with items fans can expect at home matches all season long, including:

El Rinconsito Goals = Free Tacos - Fans attending home matches can receive one free taco from El Rinconsito for every Sounders FC home goal this season, up to four goals per home match.

SharpeVision Laser Focus - When Sounders FC scores at any point after the 88th minute at a home match, a lucky fan will win free LASIK, courtesy of SharpeVision MODERN LASIK and LENS.

Boeing Community Corner - Boeing continues to provide tickets to every Sounders FC home match to Washington Youth Soccer.

Ticketmaster Legacy Member of the Match - Through this program, Sounders FC recognizes and rewards some of its most devoted fans in-stadium.

In celebration of Black History Month, Sounders FC and RAVE Foundation are hosting a special Pro Sports Career Panel on Sunday for Black youth identified by WHOLE Mentoring. WHOLE - With Hope Our Lives Excel - is a plan of action under the Office of African American Male Achievement at Seattle Public Schools committed to integrating culturally responsive strategies that uplift Black male student identity and supports their educational journey.

The goal of Sunday's career event is to give students visibility into career pathways within sports by hearing from a panel that is diverse in careers represented and reflective of the youth in attendance. Former Sounder and current team broadcaster Steve Zakuani is moderating the panel, which includes Sounders FC staff members and Craig Jackson from the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM). The event is only open to invited participants, but media members interested in learning more should contact a member of Sounders FC Communications.

At Sunday's match, over 200 Renton High School students will be in attendance, with tickets provided in partnership with Providence. The recently announced partnership between Sounders FC and Providence focuses on the Renton School District as the starting place for collaborative, long-term investments that foster and support student mental health.

Fans should plan to be in seats ahead of kickoff to enjoy all of Sounders FC's pre-match traditions, from Boom, Boom, Clap to player lineup announcements.

Ahead of kickoff, local artist Shaina Shepherd is providing a special pre-match performance in honor of Black History Month, followed by NAAM's African American Cultural Ensemble (ACE) singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing." ACE soloist Tommie Burton is then performing the national anthem.

For further information regarding any of the activities mentioned here, please contact a member of Sounders FC Communications. To learn more about Sounders FC matchdays, health and safety and how to be prepared to attend a match, visit SoundersFC.com/Matchday/Know-Before-You-Go.

Single-match tickets for each of the club's 17 MLS home matches are currently on sale. In addition, Sounders FC Season Memberships and Partial Season Ticket Packages are still available. To purchase single-match tickets or any other ticket packages, fans can call 877-657-4625 or email Sales@SoundersFC.com. Complete information on all Sounders FC ticket packages can be found via SoundersFC.com/Tickets.

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