San Diego Wave FC today announced programming details for the club’s World Cup Welcome Back match, presented by Nationwide, against the Houston Dash on Sunday, Sept. 3 at Snapdragon Stadium. Slated to kick off at 5 p.m. PT, the Wave will celebrate its international players following their return from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The first 10,000 fans through the stadium gates will receive a limited-edition World Cup Waves Bucket Hat. Tickets can be purchased here.
Fans will experience a wide variety of activations throughout the match:
Feeding San Diego:
Upon entering Snapdragon Stadium, Feeding San Diego will host a food drive with containers for donations set up at the southeast gates. The Wave joined forces with Feeding San Diego to rally community support through food drives and activations. The most needed items for food donations include peanut butter, soups, and ready-to-eat canned meals with pop-tops.
Pregame Presentation:
Prior to the team’s walking out, the U.S. Navy’s parachute team, known as the “Leap Frogs,” will make their grand appearance, jumping into the stadium.
Nationwide will present a check to The Animal Pad as part of its 2023 Community Impact Program in an on-field ceremony. San Diego defender Abby Dahlkemper was announced to the 2023 Nationwide Community Impact Program in July and partnered with The Animal Pad to help further their mission of saving dogs from high-kill shelters.
The national anthem will be sung by Mexican-American artist Frankie J. The Wavemaker of the match will be Ronald Gladden, the star of Jury Duty, an Amazon series that follows a group of actors pranking the innocent San Diego-based man.
World Cup Welcome Back Ceremony:
Following the final whistle, the club will culminate its World Cup Welcome Back match with a post-game ceremony for 13 players, including Wave FC’s Kyra Carusa (IRE), Naomi Girma (USA), Sofia Jakobsson (SWE). Alex Morgan (USA), Kailen Sheridan (CAN) and Emily van Egmond (AUS), along with Houston’s Michelle Alozie (NGA), Andressa (BRA), Allysha Chapman (CAN), Nichelle Prince (CAN), Sophie Schmidt (CAN) and Havana Solaun (JAM).
The Animal Pad
The Animal Pad will be set up with puppies for adoption on game day at a booth located in Snapdragon’s North Pad area in the concourse.
Triumph Together:
Triumph Together will be present at the match as special guests with three young girls who are battling Leukemia. Triumph Together is a non-profit organization that works to connect collegiate and professional athletes with kids at Children’s Hospitals, creating long lasting involvement for those who are unable to be involved in a normal sports fan experience.
