The Minnesota Timberwolves announced the organization will host its annual Pride Night, presented by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey on Friday, Jan. 12 when the Timberwolves host the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT. The celebratory evening will include in-game entertainment and recognition of organizations who support the LGBTQIA+ community.
This year’s Pride Night programming will include:
Ovation Mixed Chorus: Ovation Mixed Chorus, the a cappella ensemble for One Voice Mixed Chorus, will perform the National Anthem. One Voice Mixed Chorus unites gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people and straight allies to build community by raising their voices in song. It is one of the largest LGBTQIA+ choruses in North America, the 125 singing members range from ages 15 to 81, and the “Fifth Section” boasts more than 50 non-singing volunteers.
Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus: Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, a volunteer community chorus, working towards the elimination of homophobia and intolerance through community outreach, will perform at halftime.
Twin Cities Pride: The Fastbreak Foundation will present a donation to Twin Cities Pride as part of the Starting Five Grant Program, a four-year grant program that supports non-profit organizations where we live, work, and play in education, inclusion, and wellness. Twin Cities Pride empowers every LGBTQIA+ person to live as their true self.
Chef Spotlight | Sweet Troo Vi: Rebekkah Brunson (She/Her) and her wife Bobbi are the founders behind the vegan cookie company, Sweet Troo Vi. Their signature cookie creations are available throughout the season at Fhima’s Test Kitchen (Section 126), including The Duchess cookie, mixed with walnuts, chocolate chunks, caramel and stuffed with Biscoff cookie butter, and The S’more Love cookie, mixed with vegan marshmallows, chocolate chunks and a graham cracker base.
DJ Chico Chi: Our guest DJ for the night will be DJ Chico Chi. DJ Chico Chi (He / They) is a queer and non-binary transmasc DJ and producer based in Minnesota and Southern California.
Pack Gives Back: Through the Timberwolves’ Pack Gives Back Ticket Program, 500 tickets will be distributed to the following local LGBTQIA+ organizations:
Pfund
QueerSpace
Twin Cities Pride
OutFront Minnesota
Transforming Families
Video Message from Chris Finch: In-game, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch (He/Him) will have a pre-recorded message to all fans showing his support and encouragement for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Pride Merchandise: Fans will have the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition Pride t-shirt designed by Terresa Moses (She/Her) of Blackbird Revolt at the Timberwolves Team Stores exclusively in Target Center.
In-Arena Messaging and Support: That evening, Target Center will display images and messages of support, acceptance and encouragement to the LGBTQIA+ community. Gameday staff, as well as the in-arena hosts and dancers will wear Pride pins and outfitting.
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Bars: The evening’s sponsor, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, will invite fans 21+ to toast the occasion with specialty cocktails and giveaways at the Jack Daniel’s branded bars, located on the 100-level and 200-level concourses.
(info and graphic courtesy of Timberwolves)
