Las Vegas (NV) — “Are you registered as an organ donor?” could be the first question Lights fans hear when they attend the July 27 game at Cashman Field where players will wear a first of its kind jersey featuring neon-colored vital organs. In an effort to encourage all fans to register, this might be the first-ever sporting event where EVERY spectator is a registered organ donor.
“Wait, I can’t get in if I’m not a registered organ donor?”
**Don’t worry Lights fans, EVERYONE is welcome on July 27 for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff against RGV FC Toros on Donate Life Night. But a groundbreaking partnership with Nevada Donor Network is bringing the community-wide need for promoting organ donation to the forefront. Fans will not be turned away if they are not a registered organ donor, but all fans entering Cashman Field will be encouraged to become a donor. It’s our hope that with similar efforts by organizations in our community, that someday, this article’s title can become a reality.
“Lights FC is incredibly proud to host Donate Life Night. There are 618 Nevadans that are currently awaiting an organ transplant — and we hope to help reduce that number by encouraging Lights FC fans to sign-up at RegisterMe.org to save a life,” said Lights FC Owner Brett Lashbrook. “We are known for our unique jersey designs — and our ‘Donate Life’ jersey is our most unique yet. I’m excited to use our platform as a pro sports team to bring greater awareness to this cause by having our players wearing something that will no doubt spark conversations about the important role of organ donation in our society.”
As incentives for Lights fans to register throughout the match at RegisterMe.org, they’ll be eligible to win a multitude of prizes, including free jerseys and 50% off official merchandise, along with several more surprises for registered organ donors attending the match. In addition, Nevada Donor Network officials and volunteers will be present in the Zappos Fan Tailgate to help fans register, give away prizes and raffle off spots in the Shirts Off the Back promotion following the Donate Life Night match against Rio Grande Valley.
Lights FC will return to Cashman Field for their first home match in three weeks with the most eye-catching jersey ever in USL Championship soccer. The jersey was designed in collaboration with Nevada Donor Network to call attention to the fact that more than 600 Nevadans are waiting for a donor every day. One heroic donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, and heal up to 75 through tissue and cornea donation.
“On average, 22 patients die every hour in the United States waiting for an organ transplant because the demand for lifesaving transplants far exceeds the available supply of organs,” said Nevada Donor Network CEO Joe Ferreira. “We are honored to join Lights FC and we support this event 100%.”
These unique jerseys are available for purchase at LightsFC.com/Organs. For $100 fans get a a special combo that includes a jersey, plus a midfield lower ticket for the Saturday, July 27 game against RGV FC Toros. Season ticket members can buy the jersey with a 50% discount at LightsFC.com/OrgansSTM.
As part of the week-long festivities, coach Eric Wynalda is teaming up to spread the donation message with Nevada Donor Network CEO Joe Ferreira to tell fans how easy it is to register (including via iPhone health app, DMV or RegisterMe.org). Additionally, Simon Keith will address and inspire Lights FC players with a visit at Cashman Field on Monday afternoon. Keith was the first soccer player in the world to play professional soccer after receiving a heart transplant.
On the day of the game, thousands of Nevada Donor Network donor recipients, donor families, volunteers, family, and friends will be in attendance. Members of the donor community will be a part of the pre-game ceremonies including the Pink Scarf (presented by SIlverSummit Healthplan), escort Lights FC’s Starting XI on the field prior to the game, as well as receive the “Shirts Off the Back” of Lights FC players after the game (presented by Boston Dental Group).
