LGBTs and allies will head out to the ballpark next week for the 12th annual Gay Community Night at the Phillies.
The game starts at 7:05 p.m. Aug. 5 at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies will take on the Houston Astros.
The event is organized by Philly Gay Days and sponsored by the Philadelphia chapter of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association and the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia.
Tickets are going for $26 in sections 201-206 and $17 for sections 301-305. A portion of every ticket sold will benefit the Sean Halpin Memorial Scholarship Fund, a scholarship in honor of the former litigation partner of Reed Smith LLP and member of GALLOP. The scholarship supports an LGBT student attending law school in the greater Philadelphia region.
Philly Gay Days coordinator Larry Felzer said a scholarship in honor of Halpin, who died 10 years ago, continues the work he did in his profession and at GALLOP.
“He was one of the first out partners in one of the city’s largest law firms,” Felzer said. “It seemed fitting to set up a scholarship in his memory for LGBT students.”
Phillies guests are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:40 p.m. to see someone from the LGBT community throw the first pitch — as long as Gay Community Night generates 500 tickets, which, after the mark was missed last year, Felzer is hopeful will be accomplished this time.
“It is a fun evening so even if you don’t like baseball, you can hang with friends and family. Citizens Bank Park is a fun place to spend the evening. And hopefully we win.”
Philly Gay Days has been involved with the recent OUT with the Philadelphia Soul event, and also helped organize a contingent of fans to welcome out NBA player Jason Collins to Philadelphia when the Nets took on the 76ers.
Felzer said he’s interested in expanding such events.
“If there is interest, we absolutely plan on having more events,” he said. “It all depends on ticket availability and logistics. Group tickets are not available for Eagles games, so that is not an option, but we are already talking with the 76ers about doing an event with them next season and we have done an event with the Flyers, so there is a possibility of working with them again.”
Felzer said he is excited to see major league teams embracing LGBT athletes and audiences.
“It is pretty huge because it is one of the last uncharted territories for LGBT people.”
To order tickets, visit www.phillygaydays.com or call Colleen at 215-463-5000.