Submitted by Lacey Pocket Gophers
Outscoring their opponents 14-3 during a 5-match unbeaten streak in their soccer league, the Lacey Pocket Gophers return home to face Issaquah June 9 at 7:30 p.m. at North Thurston High School’s South Sound Stadium.
The first 500 fans get noisemakers courtesy of O’Bee Credit Union as soon as the doors open 1 hour prior to kick-off and Tom “The Human Jukebox” Newton will help get the crowd cheering with several pre-match karaoke hits.
“Every match, we strive to deliver an entertainment experience that our community can enjoy,” said Pocket Gophers Chairman/President Troy Kirby. “And winning on the field doesn’t hurt either.”
The Pocket Gophers are leading the Western Washington Premiere League with an incredible goal differential of plus-11, meaning that home fans are likely to see the team light up the scoreboard when they come out. The Pocket Gophers are also 2-0 at home, with a pair of 4-1 wins at South Sound Stadium back in May.
“Winning is fun, but so is the food and fun stuff for kids to do,” said Kirby.
Returning to provide concessions is Bus 49, along with bounce houses courtesy of Charlie’s Safari, a free e-gaming experience from Elite Mobile Gaming and Italian gelato by Sofie’s Scoops.
“We like to crank up the music on the PA,” Kirby said. “If you don’t see people dancing in the aisles and having a good time, then we haven’t done our job.”
The halftime show will be provided by U.S. Martial Arts Center, and the Pocket Gophers are going to bring out their 6-foot soccer ball for selected attending kids to play with on the field.
“The excitement our 6-foot soccer ball brought during our last home match was a fantastic time for both fans and the kids,” Kirby said. “The U.S. Martial Arts Center has a great show planned, with a ton of blocks and bricks about to be broken during their presentation.”
The U.S. Martial Arts Center will also be fundraising at the Pocket Gophers’ match for their Salt Lake City trip to Nationals in July.
“We want our non-profits to feel that they can come and engage with our audience, show them what they got, and help fundraise for a worthwhile cause,” Kirby said.
Tickets for the June 9 match are available online in advance one the Lacey Pocket Gophers website.
Featured Photo credit: Amy Ridgeway
