MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Sounders FC Honors Legacy of Seattle Soccer Icon Jimmy Gabriel at this Sunday's Heritage-Themed Match

July 23, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


SEATTLE, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC today announced activities surrounding the club's home match this Sunday against Sporting Kansas City (6:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM). The game marks both the Rave Green's return to Lumen Field following an international break and two road matches and also the return of the club's popular Heritage Match, presented by WaFd Bank.

Seattle's celebration of its heritage leads with special elements to honor club legend Jimmy Gabriel, who passed away at the age of 80 on July 10. A fierce player and beloved coach, Gabriel arrived in the Puget Sound region in 1974 as a player with the original Seattle Sounders of the North American Soccer League and went on to build a coaching tradition that stretched decades - serving in coaching positions with the NASL Sounders, San Jose Earthquakes, English sides Bournemouth and Everton, USL Sounders and the University of Washington men's soccer program. Gabriel mentored countless players over his career and is remembered for his character, integrity and leadership.

In recognition of Gabriel's immense contributions to the Sounders organization and greater soccer community, Sounders FC players this Sunday are wearing both a jersey patch with the initials JG and black armbands featuring the NASL Sounders logo.

Additionally, a stadium-wide moment of silence in Gabriel's memory will be observed prior to kickoff.

Fans can enjoy heritage-themed matchday elements, such as video board graphics, throughout Lumen Field on Sunday, while matchday sponsor WaFd Bank is providing this week's matchday giveaway, with 12,000 heritage-themed hats available at entry gates. A fan-favorite giveaway each year, those attending the match are encouraged to arrive early to make sure they are able to secure one of the coveted items.

CLEAR entry lanes are returning to Lumen Field starting Sunday, available at the northwest and southwest gates and providing fans with CLEAR membership the ability to get into the match more quickly.

Also returning starting with Sunday's match is Sounders FC's popular Value Menu. Launched in 2019 to much acclaim, the Value Menu offers $2 popcorn, $3 hot dogs, $5 Bud Light and $7 for either a 12-ounce can of Elysian craft beer, a nine-ounce BABE wine or a 12-ounce can of Schilling cider. All fans can take advantage of these new deals.

With Washington State now fully open, Sounders FC additionally reminds fans that the club is no longer requiring vaccination verification for stadium entry. This also applies to children, who no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry.

Under current King County guidelines, masking is not required for those who are fully vaccinated. Those who are not fully vaccinated or unable to be vaccinated, including children, are required to continue to wear face masks. Regardless of vaccination status, Sounders FC supports the use of face masks for all guests.

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