(Boston, MA) – May 3, 2017 – Boston Pride and the Midnight Riders announced today that the New England Revolution will host the first official Pride Night at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, June 3 when the Revolution take on the Toronto FC at 7:30 p.m. in Foxborough, Mass. Tickets to the game are $25 per person and are now available online. A portion of ticket sales will be donated by the Revolution to Boston Pride.
The Revolution's Pride Night is taking place during Boston Pride Week, June 2 – 11 which includes more than 30 events, programs and celebrations for the LGBTQ community and allies. Boston Pride and the Midnight Riders will be recognized at the Revolution game in a variety of ways. Boston Pride will select the Hero of the Match, while on the field, the Revolution's captain will sport a custom rainbow armband and the pitch will feature rainbow corner flags, among other elements. The Pride flag will also fly from the Gillette Stadium flagpole on game day.
“This is an important milestone for our local LGBTQ community and we owe our thanks to the Midnight Riders for helping to make Pride Night with the Revolution a reality,” said Sylvain Bruni, President of Boston Pride. “When our major league professional sports teams support our community, everyone benefits.”
"For years, we have been looking for ways to grow this event and spread the word to the community that when it comes to Revolution games, all fans are welcome," said Adam Sell, Philanthropy Chair for the Midnight Riders and the scheduled national anthem singer on Pride Night. "We are proud to now be partnering with Boston Pride and hope this night starts a trend in Boston sports where the LGBTQ community is proudly supported by all professional teams. We applaud the Revolution for working with us to show their commitment to the community."
“The Revolution have always welcomed a diverse community of soccer fans,” said New England Revolution President, Brian Bilello. “We’re proud our community has great supporters like the Midnight Riders who share our passion and we’re excited for the opportunity to remind our fans and all of New England that our community is open to everyone.”
The Midnight Riders is both a social and charitable organization and as an independent supporters association, represents the interests of the New England Revolution's supporters. The Midnight Riders will also be marching in the annual Pride Parade in Boston on Saturday, June 10. The Midnight Riders won an award as Best Marching Group in the 2016 Pride Parade.
“The Pride Parade is a blast from the start to the finish,” said Fran Harrington, President of the Midnight Riders. “We engage the Pride Parade spectators with chants that we use at the soccer games, we wave flags, and have a great time. We are all looking forward to participating in the Parade again this year.”
Boston Pride Week 2017 will kick-off with the Pride flag raising on City Hall Plaza on Friday, June 2 and continue with events throughout the week. The week concludes with the annual Boston Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 10 and the Pride Block Parties on Sunday, June 11 in the Back Bay and Jamaica Plain.
About Boston Pride
Boston Pride produces events and activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect, and awareness in Greater Boston and beyond. Fostering diversity, unity, visibility and dignity, we educate, communicate and advocate by building and strengthening community connections. Boston Pride Week 2017 will be held June 2 – 11.
