The Chicago Wolves will host their first-ever Pride Night on Saturday, Oct. 19, when the team hosts the Rockford IceHogs. The Wolves are one of the AHL’s most popular teams with one of the league’s highest attendance rates. They play in Allstate Arena, located near O’Hare Airport.
“We believe all human beings are created equal and deserve to be treated with the same respect – regardless of their gender, sexual orientation or how they self-identify,” Lindsey Willhite, Director of Public Relations for the Wolves, told Outsports. “Everyone should feel like they belong wherever they are – and that’s particularly important at public events such as Chicago Wolves games.”
The team has several things planned to celebrate and contribute to the LGBTQ community, including:
- $5 from every Pride Night ticket will go to the Center on Halstead
- The team is creating rainbow-inspired Pride Night T-shirts
- Honoring members of the LGBTQ community
The Wolves have selected some pretty inspiring people to be recognized at the game, including middle-schooler Molly Pinta, who this year helped bring a pride parade to her area.
“We’re lucky to have role models like Molly Pinta in our community,” said Willhite. “In general, it’s not easy to be 13 years old. But at this vulnerable age, Molly possesses the self-confidence to be exactly who she wants to be – and that’s a powerful example for her peers and people overall.”
The team will also recognize professional wrestler Kiera Hogan.
“Professional athletes haven’t kept pace with the rest of society when it comes to being comfortable to share their truth,” Willhite added. “This summer, Kiera revealed she’s a proud member of the LGBTQ community. She’s a great role model for people who might be uneasy about coming out because she felt alone and uncomfortable for years.”
Nick Cottrell, the gay sports executive who now works with the Wolves, is helping organize the event.
The Wolves joined the AHL in 2001 and have won two league championships since. Last season they lost in the Calder Cup, which is the league final.
You can purchase tickets to the Wolves’ Pride Night by clicking here. Tickets range from $20 to $53.
Outsports is a proud partner of the Wolves’ Pride Night.
