At Gotham FC’s home opener at Red Bull Arena on April 1, owners Eli Manning and Carli Lloyd will start a new pre-match tradition celebrating the connection between the team, fans, and New Jersey-New York Community.
Beginning Saturday, and continuing at every Gotham FC home match, the club will feature a torch lighting ceremony conducted by the club’s supporters and special guests – including local heroes, celebrities, professional athletes, and other dignitaries.
Gotham’s National Women’s Soccer League home opener will kick off at 7:30 p.m.
The inaugural torch lighting will include two legendary athletes with deep ties to the region and the NWSL club: Gotham FC owner and former U.S. women’s national team forward Carli Lloyd, a two-time Women’s World Cup champion – and Gotham FC owner and former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion. Lloyd and Manning will be joined by members of Gotham FC’s official supporters group, Cloud 9.
“The creation of the Gotham FC Torch is a reflection of the collective spirit of this club across the players, staff, and fans,” Jonna Valente, Gotham FC SVP, Marketing and Brand Jonna Valente said in a statement. “It represents the direction this club is heading in— a new future boldly led by the mentality that we are here to make an impact on this sport, together.”
The torch will be eight-feet-tall torch will have live flames.
According to a press release, Gotham FC’s torch represents enlightenment, friendship, freedom, inspiration, and hope.
