Theme Matches at PayPal Park aren’t just matchdays, they’re when Bay FC turns the beautiful game into a mirror of the Bay Area itself. Top-tier NWSL soccer is a given. But theme matches weave in the multicultural spirit and boundless creativity the Bay Area is built on.
Honoring our fans means honoring every voice and every story that makes the Bay impossible to replicate. That’s why each Bay FC season features Theme Matches that don’t just acknowledge the communities who pack PayPal Park but put them front and center.
2026 Bay FC Theme Matches include:
- Home Opener Match — Saturday, March 14
- Women’s Empowerment Match — Saturday, March 21
- Hello Kitty Match — Sunday, April 5
- AANHPI Heritage Match — Sunday, May 10
- Pride Match — Saturday, May 24
- Black Heritage Match — Sunday, August 23
- Latino Heritage Match — Sunday, September 27
- Fan Appreciation Match — Sunday, November 1
What to expect: FanFest, Performances and Exclusive Merch
The excitement begins two hours before Bay FC kickoff at PayPal Park with FanFest. Expect live music, photo ops and festivities that bring each theme to life. Every Theme Match also includes a dedicated halftime performance showcasing the communities being honored.
Exclusive Theme Match merchandise is available only inside PayPal Park on the evening of each event. These limited-edition items are not sold online, so fans who want to take home a piece of the celebration must be at PayPal Park to claim it.
2026 Bay FC Theme Matches at PayPal Park
Home Opener
Presented by Sutter Health
Bay FC vs. Denver Summit FC
Saturday, March 14 | 3:30 p.m. | PayPal Park
There’s nothing quite like the intensity of the first home match of the year at PayPal Park. We believe in starting things off strong and setting a standard that resonates through the rest of the season. Between the players first day on the pitch and the Bay Area’s noise, the stadium serves as a powerful reminder of what home-field advantage truly means.
Women’s Empowerment Match
Bay FC vs. Angel City FC
Saturday, March 21 | 5:45 p.m. | PayPal Park
Bay FC is proud to honor the women who are fundamentally redefining leadership both in the global industries of the Bay Area and on the field at PayPal Park. This evening celebrates athletes and innovators who are dismantling barriers and setting a new standard for excellence. Women are changing the game, and we are here to celebrate it.
Hello Kitty Match
Bay FC vs. Washington Spirit
Sunday, April 5 | 2:00 p.m. | PayPal Park
Bay FC is excited to announce the return of our Hello Kitty Match in 2026. We’re bringing back one of our fan favorites with an exclusive Bay FC x Hello Kitty blanket available in a special ticket bundle, plus even more matchday activations to enjoy.
AANHPI Heritage Match
Bay FC vs. Utah Royals
Sunday, May 10 | 1:00 p.m. | PayPal Park
Our AANHPI celebration recognizes the massive influence of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities on our region. We’re spotlighting the unique customs and art of over 50 distinct ethnic groups whose legacies have shaped American identity. At Bay FC, we honor the traditions that continue to strengthen the fabric of the Bay Area.
Pride Match
Bay FC vs. Chicago Stars
Saturday, May 24 | 2:00 p.m. | PayPal Park
Bay FC is proud to celebrate Pride and the LGBTQ+ community. This match recognizes the courage of those who live authentically in who they are. At Bay FC, we focus on the necessary effort to ensure professional soccer is a space where every individual is both respected and valued.
Black Heritage Match
Bay FC vs. Houston Dash
Sunday, August 23 | 3:00 p.m. | PayPal Park
This theme match honors Juneteenth and the legacy of Black liberation in the U.S. This match is a dedicated space to recognize the Black leaders, artists and athletes who redefine our culture every day. While we celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, we remain focused on the necessary work toward true equity and justice.
Latino Heritage Match
Bay FC vs. Orlando Pride
Sunday, September 27 | 2:00 p.m. | PayPal Park
Honoring the influence of the Latino community in the Bay Area is vital to understanding the history of our region. Bay FC celebrates the festive spirit and the heart of Latino heritage traditions, from the music to the language, that adds a uniqueness to the Bay Area.
Fan Appreciation Match
Presented by Visa
Bay FC vs. San Diego Wave
Sunday, November 1 | 2:00 p.m. | PayPal Park
At Bay FC, the players play for the crest, but we show up for you. Every play is powered by the noise fans make in the stands. While Bay FC leaves it all on the pitch every week, Fan Appreciation Match is the day we dedicate entirely to the best supporters in the NWSL. This isn’t just another match, it’s our biggest thank you of the year.
Pick a themed match. Or make them all part of your 2026 NWSL season.
Bay FC Theme Matches at PayPal Park are where sport meets culture. We aren’t just playing for the Bay, we are reflecting the best of it. Show up for the match and stay for the moments you’ll never forget. Check out the full NWSL schedule for to add more Bay FC matches to your calendar.
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