Local business leaders, performers, and community groups from African and Mexican heritages will be celebrated when Bay FC takes on Chicago Red Stars at PayPal Park
San Francisco (May 3, 2024) – Bay FC, the new women’s professional soccer franchise representing the Bay Area in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), will continue its inaugural season of heritage nights by honoring African World Heritage Day and Cinco de Mayo May 5 as the team takes on Chicago Red Stars at 5 p.m. at PayPal Park in San Jose.
The combination of both African World Heritage Day and Cinco de Mayo provides the opportunity for Bay FC to spotlight the various cultures that have helped to shape California as well as players on the Bay FC team. Fans will be able to enjoy Mexican and African music, watch performances traditional to both cultures, and hear from our players on what makes them proud to represent their respective countries.
“The ability to celebrate two sets of cultures on the same day represents exactly who we want to be as a club – inclusive of all,” said CEO Brady Stewart. “Honoring the African and Mexican players on our team as well as the communities they come from is something we are beyond honored to do.”
Additional events to celebrate the two cultures include:
- Enjoy Pre-Match Performances at FanFest: Those who arrive early can enjoy performances at the FanFest Stage or get pumped up for the match with African and Mexican music played by a local Mexican-American DJ, Alex Merino, and playlists created by Bay FC’s African players.
- Learn New Facts and Create Spirit Station Signs: Fans can participate in Africa Trivia to learn new facts about Ghana, Zambia, and Nigeria as well as make their own posters with “Go Bay FC” and “Get Loud” in Bemba, Yoruba, Twi, and Spanish languages pre-match at the FanFest to help cheer on Bay FC.
- Listen to the National Anthem Sung by Local Mexican American Singer: Shalmna Alvarez will be singing the national anthem.
- Enjoy an African Musical Performance at Halftime: Fely Tchaco, a native from Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa and founder of San Francsico-based African Arts Academy – which preserves and showcases African cultural heritage – will perform for fans at halftime.
- Honor Mexican and African Cultures Throughout the Evening: During the match, fans will be encouraged to cheer on Bay FC with “Get Loud” graphics in languages Bemba, Yoruba, Twi, and Spanish languages with Bay FC players providing pronunciations.
- Purchase Bay FC African Player Jerseys: Fans can show their support for the evening by purchasing Asisat Oshoala, Princess or Rachael Kundananji jerseys onsite
Bay FC is hosting its inaugural home season at PayPal Park in San Jose and tickets are now available for purchase at bayfc.com. Fans can also follow @wearebayfc on social channels for more exciting announcements to come.
About Bay Football Club
Bay Football Club (Bay FC) is the new women’s professional soccer franchise representing the Bay Area and the 14th team to join the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Bay FC was established in April 2023 and co-founded by USWNT legends Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton, and Aly Wagner in partnership with global investment firm Sixth Street and an investor group of leading tech, business and sports executives. Sixth Street’s investment is the largest institutional investment to date in a women’s professional sports franchise. Bay FC is changing the face of women’s soccer as we know it. Beginning play in the 2024 season, we are building a squad that will play the beautiful game with power, passion, energy, and creativity. Tickets are now on sale for Bay FC at https://bayfc.com and fans can follow Bay FC’s social channels (@wearebayfc) for the latest news, merchandise, and events.
