WASHINGTON — Pride Month is here, and Washington sports teams are ready to celebrate. Here's a look at what you need to know to show your pride in the stands.
Washington Mystics:
The Mystics will host their annual Pride Game on June 22. The Mystics Pride Game is an unapologetic celebration and upliftment of the LGBTQ+ community. It will feature in-game content that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, spotlights community members, and includes messages about inclusion and equality. The Mystics team store will also feature new Pride merchandise, including the latest installment of the Sticsclusive Apparel Collection, a new limited edition apparel collection the Mystics launched this season. Before the game, the Mystics will host the second installment of the team’s Brunch & Basketball series with a special Pride-themed brunch at Sycamore & Oak. The Mystics also offered a Pride Special Ticket Offer package at the beginning of the season that included a ticket to the Pride Game and a Mystics Pride-themed fan jersey. During the game, the Mystics and MSE Foundation will present a $10,000 donation to a local LGBTQ+ nonprofit.
“We are excited to team up again with Monumental Sports to celebrate Pride Night at the Washington Mystics game during Pride Month,” said Diane Hicks, Senior Vice President of Operations at Giant Food and Executive Sponsor of Giant’s Pride Business Resource Group. “Giant Food is committed to diversity and inclusion within our business, and across each of the communities that we are privileged to serve, and we are thrilled to support the diverse voices that make our communities so special.”
Washington Nationals
The Nationals will host its 19th annual Night OUT against the Atlanta Braves on June 6. With the purchase of a special ticket, fans will receive a Nationals Night OUT Wearable Flag giveaway item. $5 of every ticket sold will be donated to Team DC, a charity established to educate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community on the benefits of individual and team sports participation.
Washington Wizards
While in season, the Wizards hosted the team’s annual Pride Night on March 29. Before the game, fans were invited to a pregame block party at District E, powered by Ticketmaster, and a special Giant happy hour with Pride koozies and Pride souvenir cups given out to the first 100 fans. Wizards Pride Night also featured Cherry Blossom-themed food and drink specials. The Wizards raised over $10,000 for SMYAL through their Pride Night. MSEF also made a $10,000 donation and the 50/50 Raffle that night benefited SMYAL. In addition, Giant donated $5,000 to SMYAL.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals marked the team’s eighth consecutive Pride Night in March. In-game content spotlighted LGBTQ+ community members, messages, and themes. The Capitals social accounts featured rainbow avatars and fans were encouraged to post on social media with the #CapsPride hashtag. Fans were invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E. The band Steal the Sky performed, and there was a presence by local LGBTQ+ community organizations. In addition, the Capitals shared video content in-game and on social media featuring Capitals players and front office personnel speaking on the importance of equality and inclusion.
A Capitals and MSE Foundation Pride auction featuring autographed player-used sticks wrapped in rainbow-color ‘Pride Tape’ raised $27,375 for SMYAL, with a portion of funds allocated for Team DC, as well as MSE Foundation. In addition, Giant presented a $5,000 check to SMYAL to officially launch the fundraising efforts. Proceeds from the Capitals 50/50 Raffle on March 20 also benefitted SMYAL.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders have not yet announced plans for a Pride Night Out game, but their Pride celebration games usually happen early in the regular season.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.