Beyond the game: Uniting athletes and fans through pride

Author: Kari Jackson

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about planning some fun outdoor activities! Nothing screams summer more than attending a baseball or soccer game. With this in mind, I have rounded up all of the dates for the pride theme nights from sporting events around the country. If you have never been to a pride-themed game, I highly recommend you check it out. The energy is amazing, there are giveaways, and you are sure to have a blast.

The NBA season is coming to an end for this year, but you can still catch a few pride nights! If you are unfamiliar with the concept of pride theme nights, the Cleveland Cavaliers did a great job this past season. Their pride night consisted of recognizing LGBTQ+ advocates, the stadium was decorated with rainbows, the halftime show was pride-themed, portions of the proceeds went to LGBTQ+ charities, and tables were set up for pride photos. This pride night was done well because they made it fun for the fans and they also made sure to educate the community and give back to charities. They chose multiple different organizations to give to and by having LGBTQ+ advocates speak, it helped to raise awareness about problems that can be overlooked.

When buying tickets for these events, make sure that you are getting the most out of the day. Some teams require you to buy the tickets through their pride link in order to get the exclusive pride giveaways. Don’t wait too long to purchase those tickets! Most of the pride nights are in June during Pride Month and schedules always seem to fill up quickly in the summer!

NBA

Sacramento Kings: 3/16/24

https://www.nba.com/kings/promotions

Orlando Magic: 3/19/24

https://www.nba.com/magic/events/pride-night

Detroit Pistons 3/24/24: Pride Night Giveaway

https://content.pistons.com/themeNight/

Houston Rockets: 3/25/24

https://www.toyotacenter.com/events/23-24-rockets-game-promos

Washington Wizards: 3/29/24

https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizards-unveil-promotional-and-theme-night-schedule-for-2023-24-season

Indiana Pacers 4/5/24: First 1000 ticket buyers receive pride t-shirt, hotdog, bag of chips, and a Pepsi product.

https://www.nba.com/pacers/pride-night

Brooklyn Nets: 4/6/24

https://www.netsunite.com/

Philadelphia 76ers: 4/12/24

https://www.nba.com/sixers/schedule/promotions

MLS

Nashville SC: 6/1/24

https://www.nashvillesc.com/news/nashville-soccer-club-single-game-tickets-on-sale-jan-10

Chicago Fire FC 6/1/24: Fireworks

https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/chicago-fire-fc-announces-2024-theme-nights

New York Red Bulls 6/1/24: Collectible scarf

https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/new-york-red-bulls-announce-2024-theme-nights-giveaways-and-home-opener-activati

Atlanta United 6/2/24: Pride towel and $5 donation to Lost-N-Found Youth.

https://www.atlutd.com/news/ticket-promotions-2024-06-02-pride

Minnesota United 6/8/24: Game worn jersey auction and entertainment on the Lawn Layover.

https://www.mnufc.com/news/mnufc-announce-promotional-schedule-for-2024-mls-season

Charlotte FC 6/15/24: Party shirt

https://www.charlottefootballclub.com/news/charlotte-fc-announce-2024-promotions-schedule

FC Dallas: 6/15 24

https://www.fcdallas.com/news/fc-dallas-announces-2024-theme-nights-and-giveaways-for-home-matches-at-toyota-s

San Jose Earthquakes: 6/15/24

https://www.sjearthquakes.com/news/news-earthquakes-announce-2024-theme-nights-and-promotions

Orlando City: 6/21/24

https://www.orlandocitysc.com/pride/news/orlando-pride-announces-2024-theme-night-schedule

Philadelphia Union: 6/22/24

https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-announce-2024-promotional-schedule-title-partners

New York City FC: 6/28/24

https://www.newyorkcityfc.com/news/2024-city-celebration-series-unveiled

Houston Dynamic FC: 6/29/24

https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-celebrate-theme-nights-with-match-highlight-activities-in-2024

Portland Timbers: 6/29/24

https://www.timbers.com/news/timbers-announce-2024-promotional-schedule-at-providence-park

MLB

San Diego Padres 4/19/24: Pride hat and donation to San Diego Pride

https://www.mlb.com/padres/tickets/specials/theme-games

Miami Marlins: 5/31/24

https://www.mlb.com/marlins/tickets/specials/pride-at-the-park

Kansas City Royals: 6/1/24

https://www.mlb.com/royals/tickets/specials

Seattle Mariners 6/1/24: Pride jersey and $5 of every ticket sold will benefit the GSBA Scholarship Fund. https://www.mlb.com/mariners/tickets/specials

St. Louis Cardinals 6/7/24: Pride-themed belt bag, headband, and enamel pin.

https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/tickets/specials/theme-tickets#pride

Oakland Athletics: 6/8/24

https://www.mlb.com/athletics/tickets/specials

Tampa Bay Rays 6/8/24: Jersey and bucket hat

https://www.mlb.com/rays/tickets/promotions/schedule

Boston Red Sox 6/11/24: Red Sox Jersey in Pride colors

https://www.mlb.com/redsox/tickets/promotions/themes/pride

Milwaukee Brewers 6/11/24: Brewers Pride Flag

https://www.mlb.com/brewers/tickets/specials

Arizona Diamondbacks 6/14/24: Pride bucket hat

https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/tickets/promotions/2024