San Francisco (April 29, 2024) – Bay FC, the new women’s professional soccer franchise representing the Bay Area in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), will begin its inaugural season of heritage nights with AAHNPI Heritage Night this Wednesday, May 1 as the team takes on Portland Thorns FC at 7 p.m. at PayPal Park in San Jose.
AANHPI Night will provide the opportunity for Bay FC to spotlight the diverse cultures that help to make up the Bay Area, allow fans to try local Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander-inspired food and drink, and watch traditional performances from Bay Area performers.
“Bay FC was born out of the diverse cultures that make up the Bay Area which is something we are extremely proud of,” said Bay FC CEO Brady Stewart. “Celebrating the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander players on our team, businesses that serve our fans, and community groups that unite our nine counties is an exciting way to honor all backgrounds in the Bay Area.”
Additional events for AANHPI Heritage Night include:
- 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.
- Pump up the Players with Spirit Station Signs: Fans can make their own posters with “Go Bay FC” and “Get Loud” in languages from AANHPI communities pre-match at the FanFest to help cheer on Bay FC as they play.
- Dig Into AANHPI-Owned Food Trucks: BBQ Kalbi, Just Mix Eat, 3 Brothers Kitchen, Thai Thai, I Love Cheesesteak, and MC Sushi will be served on-site, which are operated by AANHPI owners.
- National Anthem Played by Local Electric Violinist: San Francisco-based Asian-American electric violinist Rose Crelli will be playing the national anthem.
- Welcome Players onto the Pitch with Special Performance: Local performers will be welcoming players as they take the pitch.
- Enjoy a Polynesian Musical Performance at Halftime: Lôkahi Polynesian Dance Group will bring the spirit of aloha and appreciation for Polynesian culture to fans in attendance during halftime.
- Honor Influential AANHPI Individuals of the Bay Area: Throughout the match, Bay FC will feature videoboard graphics highlighting influential individuals who identify as AANHPI with Bay Area ties across sports, business, media, and more.
- Megan Reyes Takes Over Bay FC’s Socials: Fans who are unable to attend the match can stay up to date with all of the fun as local Asian-American award-winning host and creator Megan Reyes will be taking over Bay FC’s social media accounts.
- Purchase T-Shirt Honoring AANHPI: Commemorate the evening by purchasing the item of the match – the Honoring AANHPI T-shirt, which retails for $35.
Local artist Ron Jimenez designed the AANHPI Night logo which will be showcased throughout the match and via Bay FC social channels.
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.
