NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 9, 2017 – The New York Liberty will celebrate Pride Month presented by Resorts World Casino NYC this June, highlighted by its Pride Night game and participation in the LGBT Pride March in Manhattan during Pride Weekend June 23-25.
This year’s annual Pride Night game at Madison Square Garden will take place on Friday, June 23, as the Liberty hosts the Connecticut Sun at 7:30 PM. For the second year in a row, the NOH8 Campaign will stage a photoshoot in Chase Square prior to tipoff that evening. Additionally, singer/songwriter Crystal Waters will perform during halftime, and Dragonette will perform live in arena during the 2nd half. The 1st 5,000 fans in attendance will receive rainbow Liberty sunglasses, courtesy of Resorts World Casino NYC.
For the 1st time in its 21-year history, the Liberty will enter a float in the LGBT Pride March down 5th Avenue in Manhattan, one of the biggest pride celebrations in the world. The Liberty contingent will include current players and coaches, team executives, a guest DJ, fans, and members of the Timeless Torches and Torch Patrol.
“This is an exciting year for the New York Liberty organization – in addition to our own Pride celebration at Madison Square Garden, for the first time we have the opportunity to show up in support of Pride, and stand with New Yorkers who fight for equality, by participating in the annual march,” said Team President Isiah Thomas. “We are grateful for the continued support of our outstanding partner Resorts World Casino NYC, their efforts to help amplify all of our organization’s exciting Pride initiatives.”
“Resorts World Casino New York City is proud to support Madison Square Garden and the New York Liberty’s celebration of Pride Night,” said Scott Molina, President of Resorts World Casino New York City. “This partnership is a cornerstone of our commitment to the LGBTQ community and a celebration of diversity that makes our city and country so great.”
Resorts World Casino NYC will also once again hold a social media contest, enabling fans to enter for a chance to win a 7-day Caribbean cruise by using #RWCLIBSPRIDECONTEST with a photo showing off their Liberty pride. The sweepstakes opens during Pride Month in June, and runs through the end of the 2017 WNBA regular season on Sept. 3.
The Liberty will also participate in a number of New York City’s largest pride events, activating with current players, Liberty legends, and brand ambassadors.
Brooklyn 5K Pride Run
Saturday, June 10 at 10 AM
An annual 5K run to kick-off the pride celebrations. Proceeds support Cheer New York, an all-volunteer non-profit cheerleading squad, made up of LGBT adults and straight allies.
27th Annual Long Island Pride Parade
Sunday, June 11 at 12-2 PM
Liberty legend and Ring of Honor member Sue Wicks will be a grand marshal for the LI Pride Parade
Center Garden Party
Monday, June 19 from 6-10 PM
A kick off to Pride Week with a diverse selection of tastings from outstanding restaurants around New York City. Proceeds from Garden Party support The Center’s life-changing and life-saving programs and services.
2017 Pride Celebration at Macy’s
Tuesday, June 20 from 6 PM
A collaboration with New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, PASSPORT magazine and The MEN Event, featuring a LGBTQ Changemakers reception in support of the Hetrick-Martin Institute.
LGBTQ Pride Night 2017
Thursday, June 22 from 5:30-7:30 PM
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) host an after-hours event in celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Queer families, as well as LGBTQ adults with children in their lives.
8th Annual Harlem Pride Celebration Day
Saturday, June 24 from 12-6 PM
Tickets for New York Liberty Pride Night presented by Resorts World Casino NYC on Friday, June 23, are on sale now at the Madison Square Garden Box Office and www.ticketmaster.com/nyliberty