Saturday will be a banner day in Portland. Not only is April 26 the first home game for the 2013 NWSL Champions Portland Thorns FC, but around Providence Park several new items – including a championship banner – will be revealed as the Thorns look for a win over visiting FC Kansas City (7:00pm PT, TICKETS).
Portland will unveil the championship banner in a pregame ceremony on Saturday. It will be hung in the north end of the stadium, next to the Timbers’ Ring of Honor.
“To see the banner go up, to see the players get their rings—I think it’ll be a great day. It’s a just a lot of pride,” said head coach Paul Riley.
Eight players remain on the 2014 Thorns roster from last season to receive their rings and witness the raising of the banner in front of the crowd at Providence Park.
Fans will also be treated to a special day in honor of the inaugural championship and home opener. At 11 a.m., the Thorns will hold the grand opening of a new Thorns Team Store in the southwest corner of the stadium near the Gate 1 Providence Sports Care Center entrance.
Not only will the team shop have new gear for 2014, but it will have a bit of hardware as well. Fans will be able to snap a photo of themselves with the Thorns’ 2013 NWSL Championship Trophy, which will be on display at the store.
Postgame player autographs are back again for 2014 with a new way to win opportunities to get an item signed exclusive to Thorns season ticket holders. Click here for details. Portland food cart 808 Grinds will be serving up food in the Soccer City Grill in the SW corner of the stadium and the popular Stand Together 50/50 Raffle benefiting AC Portland will be at every home Thorns game this season. Learn more about the impact 50/50 Raffle proceeds have had in the community with AC Portland.
With 2013 in the books and the Thorns already with a win this season, the home campaign will kick off with flourish as Riley’s squad looks to repeat on their success from last season.
