March 29, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
HARRISON, NJ – At Gotham FC’s highly-anticipated Home Opener on April 1, owners Eli Manning and Carli Lloyd will ignite a new pre-match tradition celebrating the deep 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 passionate supporters and special guests – including local heroes, celebrities, professional athletes, and other dignitaries.
For media credentials and to submit interview requests for Saturday’s home opener and pre-match ceremony, please email Juliana Mosquera at jmosquera@GothamFC.com.
The inaugural Torch Lighting will include a pair of legendary athletes with deep ties to the NJ-/NY region and the NWSL club: Gotham FC owner and U.S. Women’s National Team icon Carli Lloyd – a three-time 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,” said Jonna Valente, Gotham FC SVP, Marketing + Brand. “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.”
Complete details on the proceedings will be a surprise at the Home Opener at Red Bull Arena. However, fans can experience the atmosphere created by an eight-feet-tall torch with live flames.
Gotham FC’s torch represents enlightenment, friendship, freedom, inspiration, and hope.
Fans will not want to miss the beginning of a new tradition for Gotham FC. The club’s Home Opener is on Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Red Bull Arena against OL Reign, featuring USWNT stars Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle. Tickets are now on sale for the home opener HERE.
Gotham FC is coming off a thrilling 2-1 victory over Angel City FC in Los Angeles on Sunday, led by goals from Lynn Williams and Midge Purce. Gotham FC’s revamped roster features World Cup and Olympic champion defenders Ali Krieger (USA) and Kelley O’Hara (USA), World Cup champion midfielder Allie Long (USA), Olympic medalists Kristie Mewis (USA) and Williams (USA), USWNT forward Purce, and key returner Bruninha (Brazil…