Houston Dynamo Football Club today announced its matchday activations to celebrate Pride Month at Shell Energy Stadium, highlighting community members and organizations of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Houston Dynamo kick-off Pride weekend when they face LAFC on Saturday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. CT in a match presented by Cigna. The Houston Dash host Gotham FC on Sunday, June 11 at 6:00 p.m. CT, presented by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Festivities include a Pride-themed jersey flag gate giveaway for the first 2,000 fans to arrive at the stadium.
The Club partnered with local artist Carra Sykes to design custom artwork and merchandise in celebration of Pride Month, including a shirt and patch. All pieces will be available at the Club store beginning Friday, June 10. Fans can keep an eye on the Club’s social media channels for a video feature where Sykes brings viewers behind the design.
The Club will host multiple events leading up to the matches, including:
- On June 6, Dash players will host a Pride Kickoff Party with fans at Pearl Bar, while serving as bartenders and servers, and handing out Pride-themed jersey flags supplied by MD Anderson Cancer Center
- On June 11, HDFC Pride Panel: Inclusivity and Allyship in Sports, hosted by Club representatives in the East Club ahead of the Dash match, will feature a discussion on how the Club aims to create an inclusive environment for players, staff and fans. The event is open to all fans with tickets to the match, fans interested in attending can RSVP here.
Multiple LGBTQIA+ organizations will be recognized throughout the weekend. To learn more about the below groups, fans are welcome to meet with representatives from the organizations inside the stadium gates on the concourse:
- The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce Co-Founder and President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, will lead the Shell Energy Moment before kickoff of the Dynamo game Saturday, while representatives from the organization can be found at the MD Anderson Cancer Center Pride Balloon Wall in front of the East Club taking photos with fans for the “Show Your Pride” campaign during the Dash match. The Chamber aims to accelerate economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + business community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality.
- The Banner Project will have displays throughout the concourse during both matches. Founded in 2014 by Sara Fernandez, the organization utilizes 49 colorful banners that commemorate 11 decades LGBTQ+ events and people in Houston history, providing an overview for fans in attendance.
- The You Can Play Project works to ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans by creating a community of allies that can foster a true sense of belonging. The organization believes this becomes possible when sports teams sharpen the focus on the person’s skills, work ethic and competitive spirit, not their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
- Equality Texas is on a mission to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing and collaboration.
Additionally, fans can enjoy a Pride theme throughout both matches, including both team’s kit numbers, Dynamo warm-up jerseys and other in-game activities, as well as tunes from DJ Athenz.
Fans can purchase tickets for both the Dynamo and Dash matches (offered through those specific links) to receive an exclusive Pride shirt.
Click here for more information about HDFC’s Pride Nights.
