LOS ANGELES (Monday, Sept. 12, 2022) – The LA Galaxy today announced programming for Central American Heritage Night, in a match presented by Kinecta Federal Credit Union, when the club plays host to the Colorado Rapids at Dignity Health Sports Park at 7:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, Sept. 17 (Spectrum SportsNet, LAGalaxy.com).
SoccerFest
The first 10,000 fans to arrive at Dignity Health Sports Park will receive a rally towel. The Galaxy and Kinecta Federal Credit Union collaborated with local artist and muralist Alex Gonzalez on a design that celebrates Central American Heritage Night. Gonzalez will paint his design live at SoccerFest on a canvas that will be auctioned off via the LA Galaxy Foundation. Kinecta Federal Credit Union is activating at SoccerFest and will provide alumni autographs with Marcelo Sarvas, Juninho and Rafael Garcia. Kinecta Federal Credit Union’s activation will also feature a 360-degree photobooth, giveaways and free ice cream.
Game Presentation
In celebration of Central American Heritage Night, the sounds from the stadium will include a mix of Latin music throughout the evening. Prior to kickoff, Latin American recording artist Diana Landa will sing the national anthem.
LA Galaxy Foundation
The LA Galaxy Foundation has partnered with AFJA to host a soccer equipment drive at the match. There will be bins located at all Dignity Health Sports Park entrances and inside the supporters’ tailgates for fans to donate equipment before they enter the stadium. AFJA will be collecting new and gently used soccer cleats (sizes 4.5 – 9.5), soccer balls (sizes: 4, 5), indoor and turf shoes (sizes: 5-9.5), coaching equipment, goalkeeper gloves, shin guards, new sports bras and new socks.
The LA Galaxy Foundation has also partnered with TUDN to positively impact Hispanic communities through the Every Save Makes A Difference Program, donating a total of $3,000 through the program and an additional $2,000 in equipment to the Carson High School teams. Additionally, AEG’s DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Committee will lead a career panel for youth from local Hispanic communities before the match.
Merchandise
The ‘Locally Grown, Globally Known’ Collection drops on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 3:00 p.m. PT in the LA Galaxy Team Store. The collection pays homage to the LA Galaxy’s legacy of focusing on homegrown talent as well the global icon the club represents. The collection includes a men’s hoodie, men’s short sleeve tee and a scarf.
Additionally, the LA Galaxy Team Store will introduce its first ever Register Round Up Program, where fans who shop will have the opportunity to “round up” with proceeds benefitting AFJA.
LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team
The LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified team will face off against the Colorado Rapids Special Olympics Unified squad following the first-team match. The competition will feature two 25-minute halves, and all fans in the building are invited to stay and cheer on the Galaxy’s Special Olympics Unified athletes.
Match Information
Tickets for the Sept. 17 match are still available at www.lagalaxy.com/tickets. Saturday’s match marks the 80th MLS regular-season meeting between the Galaxy and the Rapids, with LA leading the series 37-31-12. The first time the two clubs met during the 2022 campaign, LA fell 2-0 on the road to Colorado on July 16. In 40 all-time regular-season meetings at home against the Rapids, the Galaxy hold a 24-10-6 record.
