The LA Galaxy will hold their third annual Pride Night on Wednesday when the Galaxy host the Colorado Rapids at StubHub Center.
The idea of holding a Pride Night at StubHub Center was in large part thanks to Galaxy group sales supervisor Mike Demko. Demko is responsible for organizing the Galaxy's first-ever Pride Night and has remained at the helm ever since.
Ahead of Wednesday’s match, LAGalaxy.com spoke to Demko about the organization of the event and his plans for the future.
LAGalaxy.com: What made you decide to hold a Pride Night at StubHub Center?
DEMKO: We had never done a Pride Night before. It was something that I’m passionate about like a lot of people. I know a lot of members of the LGBT community, and I’ve got family members in the LGBT community, and I thought it would be a great idea to make sure that the sport of soccer, which is the beautiful game, has a night that celebrates that community.
LAGalaxy.com: Was the organization of the event difficult?
DEMKO: Like any night, it’s difficult at first then you run into some issues, but everybody at the LA Galaxy was very supportive. The first night was great, the second night was better, and hopefully the third night will be even better than that.
LAGalaxy.com How has it grown?
DEMKO: The couple things that I’ve seen are that everyone in the organization gets involved. Whether it’s sales, marketing or the players, everyone wants to get involved. I’ve also noticed that there are people who came out to the game last year for their first-ever Galaxy game who now have season tickets, which I think is fantastic.
LAGalaxy.com: Last year was such a great moment was such a great moment, was it everything that you hoped it would become?
DEMKO: Last year was amazing. Robbie scoring was special for him but also special for those in attendance given what Robbie means to the LGBT community. It was fantastic; it meant a lot to everyone involved.
LAGalaxy.com: What can the night become?
DEMKO: The main this that it is something that can become a yearly fixture. This year is the third annual, and I want to keep building on that in the years to come. Just like we have people excited for Fourth of July and fireworks, I want to build the same excitement behind Pride. That’s the overall goal.
LAGalaxy.com: Do you get a sense that it is growing?
DEMKO: Absolutely. You see it on social media and we get lots of emails asking when Pride Night is. It’s something that we want everyone to look forward to.
LAGalaxy.com: How proud are you of the event’s growth?
DEMKO: I am very proud. It’s not just me but the whole organization. It’s something that other teams from all MLS teams to other sports as well to help expand their Pride Night or even hold their first ever Pride Night. If we can have that impact, it would be exceptional.
