Day in Photos: Seattle Reign FC’s 2024 Pride Match, Presented by Starbucks
On Sunday, June 23, Seattle Reign FC hosted its annual Pride Match, presented by Starbucks. In front of the third largest standalone regular season home crowd of 10,715 the Reign tied 1-1 with the visiting Racing Louisville FC. Reign FC forward Bethany Balcer scored the Reign’s lone goal of the match, after forward Jordyn Huitema drew a penalty kick early in the match. Balcer, cool as ever, stepped up to the spot and converted the penalty kick in the 10th minute. The Reign held onto the lead until the seventh minute of second half stoppage time.
The support of the home crowd was palpable both on the pitch and off the pitch as the community came together to celebrate Pride. The afternoon featured a giveaway of clear tech bags, presented by our partners at Starbucks, along with face painting, photo ops and more! The Reign welcomed singer, songwriter and activist Mary Lambert who performed the national anthem before the match.
The team hosted an auction of player-worn jerseys from the match, as well as the captain's armband. Proceeds from the auction will support Lambert House, an organization that empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth through the development of leadership, social and life skills.
Both Starbucks and Reign FC have a long history of working alongside Lambert House to amplify and support their mission. Last season, the organizations came together with Ambassadors Jess Fishlock and Tziarra King to join a special group of youth for dinner to share experiences, stories, and Pride.
Starbucks and Seattle Reign FC have partnered on the club’s annual Pride match for the last six seasons. The partnership is rooted in the shared value of human connection and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Since the beginning of the Reign’s partnership with Starbucks, an emphasis has been placed on putting thoughtful corporate intention behind the fierce player advocacy for Pride in sports and in everyday life.
Revisit the iconic day in photos below, by Jane Gershovich and Olivia Vanni:
