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
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
Philadelphia 76ers: 4/12/24
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
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
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
New York City FC: 6/28/24
https://www.newyorkcityfc.com/news/2024-city-celebration-series-unveiled
Houston Dynamic FC: 6/29/24
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
Los Angeles Dodgers: 6/14/24
https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/tickets/promotions
Toronto Blue Jays 6/14/24: Pride hat
https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/tickets/promotions/schedule
Minnesota Twins 6/15/24: Twins Pride Day Crossbody Bag
https://www.mlb.com/twins/tickets/specials
Chicago Cubs 6/17/24: Pride Jersey
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/tickets/specials/pride
Philadelphia Phillies 6/17/24: Pride fanny pack
https://www.mlb.com/phillies/tickets/specials
Atlanta Braves 6/18/24: Pregame party at the Coca-Cola Roxy from 5:20 to 7:20 p.m., Braves Pride Shirt, $4 donation to United Way OUT Impact Fund
https://www.mlb.com/braves/tickets/specials/pride
Baltimore Orioles: 6/27/24
https://www.mlb.com/orioles/tickets/specials/pride-night
New York Mets 6/28/24: Pride hat
https://www.mlb.com/mets/tickets/promotions/schedule
Cincinnati Reds 7/21/24: Pride hat