The Philadelphia Soul arena football team will host the nation’s first pro- football LGBT- awareness game, “Out with the Soul, Champions for Equality,” an event to help raise awareness and show support for the LGBT community. “Out with the Soul” is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 at the Wells Fargo Center during the Soul’s game vs. the New Orleans VooDoo, with kickoff set for 6pm.
“My co-owners and I are so proud to bring this special LGBT professional football game to Philadelphia and a national TV audience, with a message of openness and pride,” said Soul Co-Owner Cosmo DeNicola.
“The LGBT community is very strong in Philadelphia and we believe our city is a leader in the country in supporting equality for this community,” said Soul Chief Operating Officer John Adams. “We look forward to using the Wells Fargo Center and our national broadcast of the game on CBS Sports Network as a platform to show our support.”
The Philadelphia Soul is happy to partner with the game sponsor AMTRAK for the game.
Amtrak spokesperson Kecia Babb-Jordan, Director, Sales and Marketing – Northeast Corridor said, “Amtrak understands that diversity not only begins with respect for our customer, but for a social responsibility that extends into the community. Amtrak’s belief in corporate citizenship begins at the top and filters through our organization. When put in perspective, its communities define us as a company. That is one reason we came on board to support the SOUL’s LGBTQ night.”
There are an array of awareness initiatives and activities taking place on game day. Pre-game festivities include The Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League exhibition game on the Soul field and the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus performing the national anthem. The Soul will paint the arena Rainbow proud using giveaways, in-arena signage, video board displays, in-game promotions, etc. The team says prominent LGBT community leaders will also participate in on-field ceremonial presentations.
“Philadelphia is truly the City of Brotherly Love. The kind of support the Philadelphia Soul is demonstrating for the LGBTQ community is one of the things that makes this city so great,” said Amber Hikes, director of Upward Bound at PENN, co-creator/owner of Stimulus, and Philly Pride Grand Marshall 2013. “I am honored to join this wonderful team of professional athletes and allies for this exciting night as one of the Honorary Captains.”
Hikes will be joined by a fellow community organizer and contributing journalist at Philadelphia Magazine, Alex Kacala. He said, “I think it is absolutely fantastic that a professional Philadelphia sports team is showing such tremendous support to our community. It’s wonderful to see a bridge being built with the Philadelphia sports world and the LGBTQ public through opportunities like this. Both worlds share strong distinct voices, and hopefully this is just the beginning of our collaboration.”
To purchase group tickets in the LGBT seating area or group discounts for 10 or more contact Corinne at 215-253-4900 x 180 or Corinne@philadelphiasoul.com .
To keep updated on events as they are added to the night or to purchase tickets for the game, go to www.PhiladelphiaSoul.com/pride .
