^{Photo Credit: @PNWmf on twitter}

The “Pride In Each Other” artwork collection was co-created by eight supporter groups across five North American soccer leagues and Louisiana-based artist Thomas Wimberly. ECS and the seven other supporter groups are taking part in Common Goalʼs Play Proud program, which unites professional clubs, supporter groups, and community organizations in the effort to make soccer a safe and welcoming space for everyone, with a special focus on the LGBTQ+ community. At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack across North America, this artwork aims to amplify the message of inclusion.

For this display, we took the original artwork, and two variations of the "Pride in Each Other" sentiment from the original creation - "Pride In The Game" and "Pride In Our Club" and turned them into Sounders-colored 8' x 8' displays held up on PVC. We added the "Pride is 24/7/365" text banner as we deployed this display at the July 1 match, a day when companies who have historically rainbow-washed their logos and social media for Pride Month in June often remove such appearances of support.

Additionally, the original artwork was printed on a 4x6 card that was distributed in cup holders across the Brougham End to provide additional context for fans.

The second half of the 2023 Play Proud program will be hosted by New Mexico United in September.

You can find the Sounders' press release about the Play Proud program here. 

^{Photo Credit: @PNWmf on twitter}

A simple yet important sentiment in the current landscape: offering support or love for our LGBTQIA+ family, friends, neighbors, etc., is not enough. Between attempts across the country (and the globe) to take away rights or access via political means, to targeted violence against community events and even businesses who host events or support the community, we must do what we can to protect LGBTQIA+ folks. 

With these text banners, we included approximately 60 various Pride flags and identity flags scattered in the section.

If you want to donate to a local organization with on-the-ground impact, please consider donating to Gender Justice League WA or Lambert House.

^{Photo Credit: @PNWmf on twitter}

The three constants in life: death, taxes, and playing Portland. Our Cascadia Cup campaign didn't start off the way we hoped this season, so we wanted to remind the boys of our legacy of Cascadia wins. The 150-foot-wide curtain came together during a quick production window and went up with 24 ropes. 

^{Photo Credit: @PNWmf on twitter}

After his third studio album release in 1989, LL Cool J was being hammered by critics and peers alike for being soft, many saying he fell off. What followed was a blistering response to those critics with his single, “Mama Said Knock You Out,” inspired by a conversation with his grandmother in which she gave him the titular instructions.

Throughout the years the Emerald City Supporters has not only been a gameday staple in the Brougham End as the largest supporter group for the Seattle Sounders, but a group that also strives to live our values in support of the vulnerable communities in the PNW. These values include our stance as being anti-fascist and anti-racist, supporting Trans kids, and reminding folks that abortion is healthcare. With the news of the new jersey sponsor we are reaffirming our support to the communities that are being hurt by the sponsor and putting words into actions. We are calling for action and accountability from the FO for this heinous decision and are making commitments of our own.

This season, ECS is committing to donate $1 for every ticket we sell to NW Abortion Access Fund. NWAAF’s mission is to fund abortions and break down barriers to abortion access for people in the Northwest. In addition to ticket sales donations, a special merch item will be produced with all proceeds going to NWAAF.

Not only will we be supporting NWAAF, the Merch Team will once again be producing a limited edition Pride Pin. Proceeds from last year’s pin went to support Lambert House, and this year the proceeds will be donated to the Gender Justice League. Gender Justice League’s mission is to empower all people to eliminate discrimination and prejudice based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in Washington State, and to ensure that trans and gender diverse people can live their lives safely, true to themselves, and free from discrimination.

Throughout the season we will be in touch with visiting fans to help them with resources for any of their supporters who may need access to information and services, the Merch table will have QR codes available with links for fans to donate to NWAAF and Gender Justice League, and Leadership will continue to find ways to live and show support of our values.