Tip Off Seattle Pride Weekend with the Storm on Thursday, June 25

SEATTLE – Seattle Storm today announced the Pride Party on June 25 against Minnesota featuring Tacoma native and former contestant on ‘The Voice’ Vicci Martinez. Martinez is slated to perform the national anthem and at halftime.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early for Happy Hour from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm (tip-off at 7 pm), featuring $3 beer. DJ Ricki Leigh will be performing live on the concourse during happy hour.

A finalist on the first season of the voice, Martinez has toured throughout Washington and now records in Tacoma. Coming out as a teen, Martinez has always been a strong voice for equal rights and continues her work by advocating for Oasis Youth Center. Throughout the night, money will be raised, through text-to-donate-in-arena, for the Oasis Youth Center, which provides a safe environment for LGBT youth to develop and thrive.

“I have grown up in a world where I’ve had to fight to prove that my voice matters,” said Martinez. “I have a dream for my future children that they will grow up in a world where they know their voice matters.”

Oasis Youth Center transforms the lives of queer youth by creating a safe place to learn, connect, and thrive.   Located in Tacoma, Oasis believes that LGBTQ youth have incredible assets to offer to the world, just by being themselves. Through weekly programming, Oasis promotes healthy relationships, builds community, and develops young leaders who are changing the world.

“Oasis is honored to partner with the Seattle Storm for the Pride Party,” said Seth Kirby, Executive Director of Oasis Youth Center.  “The Storm’s commitment to empowering youth directly aligns with our vision for LGBTQ youth to be seen in the community as strong, creative leaders. Vicci Martinez is a perfect example of a strong leader, which is why we are thrilled she has chosen our center to be the beneficiary of the night.”

The June 25 Western Conference rivalry, Seattle vs. Minnesota, is presented by BECU, the official credit union of the Seattle Storm. “BECU supports Seattle Pride every year, and we are proud to join with our partners, the Seattle Storm, to honor pride and diversity in our community through presenting this special game,” said Stephen Black, BECU vice president of marketing.

The Storm will also be celebrating Pride with the Seattle Reign at the Pride Picnic this Saturday, June 13, from 11 am to 4 pm at Volunteer Park. The Pride Picnic will include an appearance by Doppler and a performance by the Seattle Storm Dance Troupe. On Sunday, June 28, the Storm will participate in the Pride Parade and invite fans to walk with them.

About BECU

BECU is a not-for-profit credit union owned by the members. Profits are returned to the members in the form of better rates and fewer fees. With almost one million members and more than $13 billion in assets, BECU is the largest credit union in Washington state, and one of the top five financial cooperatives in the country. BECU currently operates more than 40 locations in the Puget Sound region. All Washington state residents are eligible to join.