With the 2019 soccer season finally here, the University of Portland Athletics Marketing Department has released the complete promotions schedule. The exciting 2019 season is highlighted by the return & 11^th Annual Bite on the Bluff, two Camper Reunion days, a recognition of our 2019 World Cup participants, the return of Oktoberfest, and Youth Soccer Day!
 
Additionally, all U.S Bank Pilot Kids Club members will receive free admission to all men's and women's soccer home games this season. By joining the Pilot Kids Club, members receive a t-shirt, membership card, and a chance to be Pilot of the Day at a home soccer game. The biggest Kids Club fans will also be able to earn sweet prizes through the Pilot Passport! In addition to all the benefits of being a member, all or Wally's most faithful fans will have a special pregame party for members and their families on Wednesday, October 9^th as the Women's soccer team takes on Gonzaga. Also, every weekend game will feature a Kids Zone with activities and inflatables on the turf soccer field behind the stadium (weather permitting). For more information on the Pilot Kids Club, email Alex Fisher at fishera@up.edu.
 
All year long there will be youth team experiences available for home games including a High-Five Tunnel, Player Escort, Half-Time Games and more. Slots are filling up fast, so secure a spot for you youth team and learn more about our Youth Fan Experiences by contacting Jon Brooks at (503) 943-7431 brooksj@up.edu.
 
Students that wish to take their Pilot fandom to the next level and represent their school are encouraged to join Purple Pride, the largest student group on campus. Members of Purple Pride receive a scarf every year to kick-off the soccer season and a special apparel item at the beginning of basketball season. Members receive these awesome items each year they are on campus, as well as exclusive access to giveaways, invitations to pregame events, and free food at select games throughout the soccer season. For more information and to sign-up online, visit PortlandPilots.com/PurplePride or email Alex Fisher at fishera@up.edu.
 
The first promotion for the 2019 soccer season will be for the women's soccer game on August 14^th as the Pilots take on international opponent, University of British Columbia in their home opener. At this game, all season ticket holders will be able to pick up their season tickets receive a free Pilot gameday bag.
 
The Men's Soccer team opens their season with the fan favorite 11^th Annual Bite on the Bluff on Friday, August 23^rd. Prior to the game, join the Portland faithful for a pregame festival complete with a street food fair featuring many of the popular Portland food carts including Voodoo Doughnut, Koi Fusion, Ruby Jewel, Churros Locos and much more. There will be games, music, drinks, and top-notch soccer as the men take on Utah Valley. Also that night, commemorative "Clive's Army" t-shirts will be given away to first 2,500 fans in attendance. Bite on the Bluff is an event you will not want to miss as tickets are expected to sell out! Tickets for the game can be purchased here.
 
Rounding out the promotions in August will be a stadium wide 'Purple Out' when the men's soccer takes on Colgate on August 30^th. Fans are encouraged to wear their Clive's Army t-shirt and rep their purple with pride as we purple-out the stadium.  
 
September is for the kids and includes both a Youth Soccer day and two Camper Reunion Days. Camper Reunion Days will be on September 1^st and 15^th respectively. Also in September is the first of three World Cup themed giveaways in honor of our three participants in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. The first giveaway will be on September 8^th when Women's Soccer takes on Denver. Be on the lookout for the other two World Cup giveaways as the season continues!
 
The month of October starts with the return and 5^th Annual Oktoberfest! The Pilots Oktoberfest was very memorable event last year and will continue this year with German-faire food, beverages, music, and games. The night will then be capped off by the fan favorite NW Regional Championship Weiner Dog Races at halftime! On October 9^th, Kids Club Members are invited for members only pregame event complete with inflatables, games, and an appearance from Wally Pilot! October is rounded out with a Halloween celebration on October 30^th with a costume contest, sweets and a pumpkin painting station.
 
The 2019 season concludes in November with the Men's Soccer Senior Night on November 2^nd, and Women's Soccer Senior Night on November 9^th.
 
We hope you make plans to join us at Merlo Field for the upcoming season and all of these exciting promotions! To purchase tickets for any of these events, please call the Pilots Box Office at (503) 943-GoUP or go PortlandPilots.com/tickets. For more information on any of the listed promotions, please call Alex Fisher at (503) 943-7807 or email him at fishera@up.edu.