Vibrant Crosswalk Inauguration Marks the Start of a Month-Long Celebration of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality
Today, Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, in partnership with local leaders and community representatives, celebrated the start of Pride Month with the unveiling of the “Pathway to Pride” rainbow-colored crosswalk. This celebrated transformation of the arena’s most traversed crosswalk leading to the Main Plaza is a visible symbol of diversity, inclusion, and equality. The inclusive 11-color design consists of the traditional rainbow flag with the addition of black, brown, light blue, pink and white. The interactive celebration drew a notable crowd of community leaders and organizations to place the final brush strokes on the “Pathway To Pride.”
Highlighting our commitment to supporting visibility, dignity, and equity for all people in the LGBTQ+ community, John Page, Senior Vice President of Acrisure Arena and CV Firebirds; Gina Rotolo, Vice President, Marketing & Team Business Services among local key figures participated in the ceremony such as Mayor Karina Quintanilla, City of Palm Desert; Michael O’Keefe, City of Rancho Mirage Council Member; Steven Henke, Chief of Brand Marketing, DAP Health; Rafeal Oscal, President, Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce; and William Rodriguez, CEO and Founder, Silvercrest Advertising.
Page expressed his enthusiasm for the project saying, “The ‘Pathway to Pride’ crosswalk honors our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive culture where all people are supported by their peers and community leaders. This vibrant addition to our arena celebrates Pride Month and symbolizes our dedication to promoting diversity and equality within our community.”
“As an ally and community leader it is important to see our community creating these important moments,” remarked Quintanilla. “Tens of thousands will walk across and instantly feel safe, think of their loved-ones to exercise tolerance and embrace our differences. It reminds us to all be human, all be compassionate, bring love and great energy to this gathering place.”
The rainbow-colored crosswalk will greet guests as they attend upcoming Firebirds playoff games, Sarah McLachlan on Saturday, June 1, Janet Jackson on Tuesday, June 4, and a major concert announcement will be made early Monday morning for an event to take place in November, when Coachella Valley celebrates Pride with many special events..
O’Keefe expressed, “I love Firebirds and I love Acrisure Arena which is a great asset to our community and I’m proud to represent Rancho Mirage, a city with 100 percent rating on municipal equality index, so it’s an honor to help kick off Pride month.”
Henke remarked, “I can imagine young people who may be struggling with their identity walking across this rainbow stripe that includes black, brown, pink, blue, and white stripes, and knowing that an organization like Acrisure and the Firebirds affirms their identity, it’s going to have a huge impact on their mental health, it’s going to have a huge impact on their ability to feel proud of their identity and to live a life where they can thrive, not just survive.”
The Ticketmaster Box Office is open today through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day for in-person sales to any upcoming event with no convenience fees. Acrisure Arena does not accept cash and all tickets are digital.
Rotolo added, “The Firebirds are committed to creating community through a collective love of sport that provides a safe space for all our fans. Together we take Pride in our team, our fans and our community through on-going efforts that encourage conversation, education, and inclusivity for all.”
“You know, it’s about bringing everything that we all enjoy in life, sport, you know, to the LGBTQ plus community. Having Acrisure, the Firebirds and the Iceplex, so openly support our community is really wonderful,” said O’Kane.
The installation is the first of many events and activities planned for Pride Month as Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds will participate in and sponsor a series of events in the Coachella Valley including the Big Gay BBQ on June 7 & 8, the OUTstanding Voices celebration throughout June, the Community Leadership Council All Boards Reception on July 18 and participation in the Palm Springs Pride Parade in November.
Coachella Valley Firebirds vs Milwaukee Admirals
Wednesday, May 29, 7:00pm
Friday, May 31, 7:00pm
Sarah McLachlan with Special Guest Feist
Saturday, June 1, 7:30pm
Janet Jackson with Special Guest Nelly
Tuesday, June 4, 8:00pm
The Iceplex will offer complimentary skate rentals and Pride-themed giveaways during both the 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Public Skate sessions today, while supplies last.
For more information about upcoming events and the ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality, visit AcrisureArena.com and follow Acrisure Arena on social media.