Tampa Bay Sun FC will celebrate its groundbreaking inaugural championship victory with the official unveiling of the team’s first championship banner on March 18 during the club’s Women’s Empowerment Night game, presented by BRANDT.
A special pregame ceremony at Suncoast Credit Union Field in Downtown Tampa will pay tribute to last season’s championship effort, culminating in a milestone in Tampa Bay history as the Sun become the area’s first women’s professional sports team to raise a championship banner.
A DEFINING CHAPTER FOR TAMPA BAY
Last season, the Sun delivered one of the most remarkable championship runs Champa Bay has ever seen. The Sun found momentum when it mattered most, defeating higher-ranked competition and earning the right to host the Tampa Bay area’s first-ever playoff game in any women’s professional sport.
The Sun took down Dallas Trinity FC, 2-1, then beat cross-state rival Fort Lauderdale United FC in extra time, 1-0, to capture the inaugural USL Super League trophy.
Days later, the City of Tampa rallied together for a boat parade along the Hillsborough River through Downtown Tampa to Armature Works, where fans, players, and the broader community—led by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor—gathered to hoist the trophy and honor the team’s inspirational journey.
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT NIGHT
The banner unveiling will take place before kickoff at Women’s Empowerment Night, presented by BRANDT, anchoring a night of festivities to honor the women who lead, serve, and deliver a lasting impact on the Tampa Bay community.
- Support Woman-Owned Businesses
- Shop in a mini marketplace showcasing a variety of woman-owned vendors
- Featuring Kendra Scott, Jobe Ro Jewelry, and Coastal Cowgirls Collective
- Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
- Local Girl Scouts will lead the pregame flag presentation and honor guard
- One of this year’s last chances to buy Girl Scout cookies and support local girls
- Her Impact Initiative
- To uplift and recognize women in public service and leadership roles in their communities, the Sun are activating the Her Impact Initiative
- Each recognized woman will receive a game ticket in a special seating section, along with shoutouts on the scoreboard and social media
PREGAME EXPERIENCES
- Pre-match ceremonies ahead of 7:30 p.m. kickoff
- Official championship banner unveiling
- Pregame coin toss with BRANDT executive Sierra-Shae Brandt
- Pre-match soccer clinic
- The Tampa Bay Sun Foundation leads fun sessions to build soccer skills and character for kids age 7-13 (advance registration required)
- Launch of Solé’s Kids Club: Shooting Stars
- Team up with Sun mascot Solé for special activities, birthday surprises, and discounted game tickets (sign up here)
SPECIAL GIVEAWAYS AND MERCHANDISE
- Custom tote bag for the first 1,000 fans
- Mini championship banner giveaway
- Limited edition championship merchandise available in the team shop
“This championship banner represents more than a title. It represents resilience and the power of women coming together to achieve the highest level of the game,” said Tampa Bay Sun FC President and General Manager Christina Unkel. “Unveiling it on Women’s Empowerment Night makes this moment even more meaningful. We are celebrating not only what our team accomplished on the pitch, but also the additional women in our community who continue to inspire every day. This night honors them and continues to develop pipelines for opportunity in women’s sports.”
DETAILS AND TICKETS
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to Suncoast Credit Union Field for the banner unveiling. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and kickoff for the game vs. Brooklyn FC is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Women’s Empowerment Night, presented by BRANDT are available at TampaBaySunFC.com.
