Jordan Alwood
Sacramento, Calif. – On Wednesday, September 7, Republic FC will face off against Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final at Exploria Stadium. With the team on the road for the national soccer championship, the Indomitable Club is collaborating with Vice Mayor Angelique Ashby, Kellogg’s and Downtown Sacramento Partnership to take over Cesar Chavez Plaza to host a Watch Party for the city and the club’s fans to celebrate this historic moment. Watch Party Presenting Partner Kellogg’s will provide snack samples across their brands for fans to enjoy during the pregame programming. The free event will begin at 4:00 p.m. with the game set to kick off at 5:00 p.m.
The all-ages event will be free and open to the public. Fans can RSVP and receive additional information at SacRepublicFC.com/WatchParty. The club is expecting a capacity crowd on the heels of selling out the last two Open Cup matches at Heart Health Park. As part of the club’s core value to foster a unified community, Republic FC and its partners are donating $10,000 to Wellspring Women’s Center, a drop-in day center that has been serving women and children in need for 30 years in Oak Park. Fans are encouraged to make an additional donation upon registration.
“Our team will undoubtedly feel the full weight of Sacramento packing Cesar Chavez Plaza to once again show we are a soccer market unlike any other,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant.
“It’s important now more than ever to support our community and the organizations that bring them together,” said Downtown Sacramento Partnership Executive Director Michael Ault. “Downtown Sacramento Partnership is proud to support Sacramento Republic FC in making their vision of a free, community-based event a reality, and celebrating this moment downtown.”
“This is going to be a historic day for our city, and no better way to celebrate than together in an iconic park in our downtown and rooting on Republic FC,” said Vice Mayor Angelique Ashby. “I’m honored to be able to host this event, and excited to see thousands of soccer fans and Sacramento fans alike show up and cheer.”
“It is a privilege for Kellogg to be the presenting sponsor for the Open Cup Final Watch Party,” said Kellogg’s Account Executive Ray Kwan. “Sacramento Republic FC’s and Kellogg’s core values are synergistic and we wanted to support the organization that represents the Sacramento community proudly.”
The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a Republic FC flag, courtesy of Vice Mayor Angelique Ashby, to show their city pride throughout the night. An exclusive commemorative merchandise collection will be released only at the Watch Party, as well as and Open Cup Final scarf and shirt.
A selection of local food trucks will have a wide array of bites and the club’s beverage partners will be on hand with a diverse beer selection and additional offerings from Housely’s Century Oak Winery, as well as soft drinks and water. DJ Lady Char will provide additional entertainment beyond the game and Republic FC legend Cameron Iwasa will be on hand to pump up the crowd. Republic FC’s Indomitable Partner Atlas Disposal will help with professional services for the event.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest ongoing domestic soccer tournament in the country. Republic FC has etched its name into the history books as the first non-Major League Soccer team to reach the final since 2008. The Indomitable Club is the third lower-division side to reach the Final in the Modern Era covering 26 years. A lower division team has not won the U.S. Open Cup since 1999. In a year that featured a record 103 teams, Republic FC defeated three MLS sides to earn a spot in the final – San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, and Sporting Kansas City.
Republic FC continues its quest in league play while preparing for the U.S. Open Cup Final. The Boys in Old Glory Red are back in USL Championship action play this Saturday, August 20 at Las Vegas Lights FC. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m., and will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, as well as streaming on ESPN+. The team will return home on August 27 to face regional rival Oakland Roots SC on College Night presented by Sacramento State with a special ticket/scarf package available for Hornet staff, students, and alumni. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/SacState.