The official unveil. #OrlandoUnited pic.twitter.com/YDAcmx9z5N
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) January 4, 2017
Orlando City SC is building a new stadium, and implementing a small section of seats in the stands that sends a big message. The MLS team and its sibling NWSL club, Orlando Pride, installed special rows of seats close to the field in the colors of the LGBT rainbow flag to honor the lives of those lost in the Pulse nightclub shooting in June, and also to reject intolerance.
The team took big steps in helping to heal the community following the senseless act of violence that struck the city last year. The game following the shooting used the rainbow flag liberally, replacing the corner flags, tying rainbow balloons to seats, and holding a moment of silence midgame to remember those lost.
These new seats may be a small gesture, but it’s a critically important one. We should never forget what happened in Orlando. Thank you, Orlando City SC, for ensuring we remember every game day.