Local AANHPI Bay Area performers, cultures, cuisine and more will be featured, celebrated at PayPal Park as Bay FC takes on Angel City FC
SAN FRANCISCO (May 15, 2024) – Bay FC, the women’s professional soccer franchise representing the Bay Area in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), will host AANHPI Heritage night at PayPal Park this Saturday, May 17 when Angel City FC visits the Bay Area. From the time gates open to the final whistle, the club will celebrate the diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultures and communities across the Bay Area with exclusive giveaways and feature performances and showcases from local AANHPI artists and groups.
“It’s part of our mission as a club to proudly represent the Bay Area and its tapestry of different ethnicities, languages, climates, and ideas, and be a uniting force,” said Bay FC CEO Brady Stewart. “As we return home to PayPal Park this weekend, we’re excited to celebrate the incredible diversity that defines our region and is a cornerstone of our identity as a club and community.”
Fans attending the match can grab a special AANHPI Heritage night poster, try items from a special AANHPI Night menu at select concession locations, and take in special performances from local artists and groups from FanFest to the final whistle. Bay FC Content Contributor and Matchday Host, Jen Beattie, will be in attendance to help fans experience it all from the time gates open to the final whistle. Additional events for AANHPI Heritage Night include:
- Gate Giveaway: Fans are encouraged to arrive early as the first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative AANHPI Night Poster designed by local artist Michelle “Meng” Nguyen.
- Enjoy Pre-Match Performances at FanFest: Those who arrive early can enjoy performances by local Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander performers at the FanFest Stage, notably: Stanford Taiko, Rose Crelli, and Lohaki Polynesian Dance Group.
- Item of the Match – AANHPI Tee and Pin: 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 and available at merchandise stands throughout the stadium.
- Special Guest Appearances: Bay FC Content Contributor and Matchday Host, Jen Beattie, and Alex Cooper, the founder of Unwell, the NWSL’s official hydration partner will be in attendance to connect with fans and players alike throughout the match.
- Cultural Cuisine at Stand 10: Concession stand 10 – located near section 124 at PayPal Park – will feature a special AANHPI Heritage Night Menu with East Asian and Pacific Islander inspired cuisine. Items such as Steep Boba drinks, Korean Style Chicken Kimchi Friend Rice Bowls, Chick and Veggie Potsticker and more
- National Anthem Performance by Isis Mikayle Castillo: Alongside a collection of performances by other Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander artists and groups throughout the match, vocalist Isis Mikayle Castillo returns to PayPal Park and will perform the Star-Spangled Banner ahead of kickoff.
Kickoff for Saturday’s match is set for 7 p.m. PT from PayPal Park and will be broadcast on ION. Tickets remain available at BayFC.com/tickets.
About Bay Football Club
Bay Football Club (Bay FC) is the 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. The Club began play in the 2024 season. Tickets are now on sale for Bay FC at bayfc.com and fans can follow Bay FC’s social channels (@wearebayfc) for the latest news, merchandise, and events.
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