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Bay FC Staff

AANHPI Celebration Meets California Soccer Rivalry

Bay FC invites you to join us at PayPal Park on Saturday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. PT for a special evening to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Night in a long-awaited match against Angel City FC. It’s an evening to recognize different cultures, unite the Bay FC community, and feel the excitement of the local NorCal vs. SoCal soccer rivalry.  

Honoring Heritage, Celebrating Community 

AANHPI Night is a meaningful opportunity to honor the many cultures that enrich the San Francisco Bay Area. From live performances and heritage-focused food to exclusive Bay FC merch, this matchday experience will be a moment to remember.  

🎟️ AANHPI Poster Giveaway 
Arrive early to the Bay FC match on May 17! The first 5,000 fans through the PayPal Park gates will receive an exclusive BAY FC AANHPI Heritage Night poster designed by Michelle “Meng” Nguyen to mark the occasion. Meng is a Vietnamese American designer, illustrator, and sign painter born and raised in San Francisco, California. Passionate about community, Meng loves collaborating with small businesses throughout the Bay Area. Check her out on Instagram!

🛍️ Item of the Match 
Available only at PayPal Park and featured as the Item of the Match, the Bay FC AANHPI Heritage Tee and Collectible Pin is a limited-edition keepsake you’ll want for your own Bay FC collection.  

🍱 Cultural Cuisine at Stand 10 
Check out Stand 10 located by Section 124 at PayPal Park for an AANHPI Night menu featuring East Asian and Pacific Islander inspired cuisine. Enjoy Steep Boba drinks, Korean Style Chicken Kimchi Fried Rice Bowls, Chicken and Veggie Potstickers with Dipping Sauce, and more delicious flavors. 

Bay FC FanFest: A Showcase of AANHPI Talent 

Two hours before Bay FC’s kickoff, FanFest will feature live performances that spotlight the artistry and traditions of AANHPI communities: 

🎻 Rose Crelli – A sought after Asian-American and Bay Area violinist who is classically trained and known for her high-energy performances. Rose has performed her fun renditions during our Inaugural Season and also performs for premier brands including Meta, Porsche, OpenAI, Google, and more. We’re thrilled to welcome her back to PayPal Park! 
Website | Instagram 

🎤 Isis Castillo – Acclaimed for her powerful rendition of the National Anthem, 10-year-old Isis previously sang for the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors, and during Bay FC’s 2024 Inaugural Season.
Instagram 

🥁 Stanford Taiko – Stanford Taiko is Stanford University’s premiere collegiate taiko ensemble drumming group, comprising both undergraduate and graduate students, and performs in local Bay Area venues as well as touring internationally. 
Website | Instagram 

🌺 Lokahi Polynesian Dance Group – We’re thrilled to welcome back the Lokahi Polynesian Dance Group to Bay FC’s AANHPI Night celebration at PayPal Park! Based in San Jose, this multigenerational dance troupe brings the spirit of aloha through traditional Hula and Ori Tahiti performances. 
Website | Instagram 

Celebrating AANHPI Identity On and Off the Pitch 

Bay FC defender Caprice Dydasco proudly represents her Guamanian, Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean heritage. As a native Hawaiian, Dydasco embodies the legacy and pride recognized on ANHPI Night.  

Last year, Dydasco explored the different AANHPI cuisine at PayPal Park as part of Bay FC’s heritage celebration. 🥢🍣🍜 

 📹 Watch the feature 

Special Guest Appearance: Bay FC’s Jen Beattie 

Bay FC is also proud to welcome club legend Jen Beattie to the match as our Content Contributor & Matchday Host. Beattie, a veteran presence and international star, will be at PayPal Park to connect with fans and support Bay FC during this meaningful AANHPI celebration. 

A NWSL Rivalry Born in California  

The matchup between Bay FC and Angel City FC is one of the most exciting rivalries in the NWSL. With the fiery NorCal vs. SoCal rivalry at the core, the stakes are high and the energy palpable.  

In the NWSL 2024 season, Bay FC had the upper hand against Angel City. First, Bay FC made history with Asisat Oshoala’s debut goal in a 1-0 victory at BMO Stadium on March 17. This marked Bay FC’s first-ever NWSL win. Following the match at BMO Stadium, Bay FC proved their win was no fluke and secured another 1-0 win against Angel City on June 22 at PayPal Park.  

🪄Relive the magic of Oshoala’s historic goal against Angel City below

Bay FC is determined to extend their unbeaten streak in 2024 NWSL play into 2025 when they take on Angel City at PayPal Park on Saturday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. PT. Expect a high-intensity match, a packed stadium, and the distinctive chants of 📣 “Beat LA!” when Bay FC takes the pitch.  

Who will reign supreme in this classic California soccer matchup?  

Join Bay FC’s Celebration 

Bay FC’s AANHPI Night will be a standout night to honor the traditions and communities that make the Bay Area so special. Take part in the excitement Saturday, May 17 at PayPal Park. We are excited to celebrate with you. 🙌 

🎟️ Secure your tickets HERE