The Magic, Orlando City SC, NWSL Orlando Pride, ECHL Orlando Solar Bears and AFL Orlando Predators are partnering with the City of Orlando to sell T-shirts with the slogan #OrlandoUnited. Net proceeds will be donated to the City of Orlando’s OneOrlando Fund to support those impacted by Sunday's mass shooting. The black, blue and purple shirts will be available starting tomorrow at the Orlando Magic Team Shop (
Magic). In Orlando, Josh Robbins noted the DeVos family, which owns the Magic, "contributed $400,000, while the Magic donated $100,000" (
ORLANDOSENTINEL.com, 6/14). Meanwhile, Orlando City's match Saturday against the Earthquakes will be dedicated to supporting the #OrlandoUnited efforts. Fans can purchase commemorative gameday posters available at the stadium on Saturday for suggested $5 donations and participate in game-worn jersey auctions with 100% of proceeds benefiting the OneOrlando Fund. Orlando City players will wear special patches and T-shirts during walkouts. There will also be pregame recognitions of first responders and support service personnel, as well as ticket donations for these groups. A commemorative section of the stadium will be blocked and dedicated to each victim. Orlando City will stop live play during the game to implement a 30-second moment of silence (
Orlando City). In Orlando, Weiner & Hayes note the City of Orlando is "setting up an assistance center at Camping World Stadium to help those affected by the Pulse nightclub shooting." Mayor Buddy Dyer said that the center will open today to "help provide counseling, funeral arrangements, lodging and travel arrangements" (
ORLANDO SENTINEL, 6/15).
UNITED STATE: In Tampa, Frances McMorris noted the Rays will "dedicate the proceeds from their annual Pride Night game this Friday to the victims of Sunday's mass shooting." The Rays will "observe a moment of silence while the names of the Orlando shooting victims are scrolled on a video board before the game." The team beginning last night has made "all open seats" to Friday's game against the Giants available for $5, with 100% of proceeds "benefiting the Pulse Victims Fund." Proceeds from the team’s daily 50/50 raffle will also "benefit the fund and additional donation centers will be located at the ballpark." All attendees will "receive a 'We Are Orlando' T-shirt as a symbol of unity and inclusion" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 6/14). YAHOO SPORTS' Mike Oz noted the money from the Rays game "will help, but the idea behind the gesture is even bigger." The Rays said that they "want to 'celebrate unity and inclusion.'" A ballpark full of fans on Pride Night "would send a strong message, one that goes beyond simple 'tolerance' of the LGBT community and instead emphasizes inclusion and communal grieving" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 6/14).
