What can we say about our Riveters 2018 Player of the Year?

It’s easy to get lost in the avalanche of her accomplishments. Two NWSL Championships with Portland Thorns FC. Prior to that, two WPS Championships, and two national collegiate championships during her time at the University of Portland. Tack onto that the four FIFA Women’s World Cups she has played in; not to mention two-time Olympic medalist, and Canada’s all-time leading scorer to boot. And this is just a sampling of what she’s done.

At the end of the day…she is our Captain. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever…Christine Sinclair is not just an international soccer legend, but a Portland icon.

We couldn’t possibly be more proud to name her Riveters 2018 Player of the Year. Thank you, Captain, for everything.

#BuildTheStatue

A guest post from your Capos/DnT

This is your annual reminder, and the time for you to remind your fellows, family, and friends that it is….

BYCAP time!

To the ladies and gents (and non-binary too) that joined us this lovely year of 2018 (aka – the n00bs), welcome to the Rose City Riveters fanbase this season. We are glad to have you here! I am going to take a moment to explain what BYCAP is, why we do it and how you are the most important part of this event.

Where BYCAP begins…

Sometimes, well, often, at the end of the year, some peeps get this sweet and kindhearted idea that, out of admiration and/or gratitude, they should buy Capos and/or DnT (Drum n Trumpet/Trombone) a pint. This is a really, REALLY great idea, and while we are mostly all for having a sippa at the match, honestly, there is no way he/she/they/we can drink that much and remain, loud, passionate, accurate, aware, and leaders, throughout the game. Enter the name – Buy Your Capo A Pint, or BYCAP for short.
BYCAP is an annual fundraiser and is driven by the Capos/DnT.

Buy Your Capo A Pint is a chance for Thorns fans (YOU) to both, help us do good, and say “Thank you” to the ALL VOLUNTEER crew (yep – all volunteers – we all purchase tickets for seats we rarely ever see, except from a distance) that keeps the NWSL’s most passionate, loud, and proud supporters working together to support our awesome, talented, skilled, professional athletes, the Portland Thorns.

Your help helps us, so we can help others, through BYCAP

At the last in-season match we are asking for you to give us a truly important ‘Thank You’. Please consider taking those dollars, the ones you would happily spend on getting a complimentary beverage or two or more for hard-working capos, drummers, horn players, and instead of buying said beverage/s and getting us smashed, put that money into our collection buckets that will be on our stage, nests and by the drums. We will turn ALL of the funds you donate into tuition for young girls to attend Portland’s own Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls, so these future women can learn the strength, power and wisdom of their own voices. So they can have the opportunity to gain the empowering support and confidence we all share on match days as your Capos/DnT.
“Creative voices of girls and women need to be amplified to create social change. Girls need positive role models and support for their creative endeavors. We can build a community where girls support each other rather than tear each other down. We can empower girls to recognize, understand and respond to discrimination. ‘Girls Rock’ is more than just a slogan.”

If you are unfamiliar with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls , check the hotlink for more information on the AMAZING work they do, what they offer, what other donations they need, and how to get tickets to The AMP Awards gala event Friday, November 3rd with Piefight and Janet Weiss.

AGAIN – for the people in the back – help us, your Capos/DnT, give back to our community by donating on Sept. 7th to the BYCAP 2018 fundraiser.

JUST IN CASE – Are you [insert poopy emoji face here] because:
• You don’t carry cash?
• You want to spread twice the love?
• You are going to be out of town?
• You’re an out-of-town fan?

You can donate electronically and in advance by clicking here. Be sure to select “Riveters BYCAP” when making your donation.

TL:DR – you should help us out by stuffing our buckets with cash at the last regular match of the season (vs the Seattle Reign) on Friday, Sept 7th for a badass fundraiser.

Who is your pick for Riveters POTY? Let your voice be heard! Click here to participate in our poll.

The winning player will be recognized by Rose City Riveters with a special award presentation in the north end.

The Thorns front office has generously gifted a championship ring to Rose City Riveters!

The ring was designed with significant contribution from Captain Christine Sinclair, and has many special elements that comprise its unique design. The largest design is the Thorns FC crest with “NWSL” overarching the crest, and “Champions” below.  One side of the ring has “Rose City Riveters” emblazoned above an ice bear; the other side has two stars, representing the two NWSL Championships won by Thorns FC, and the date of the championship match, 10.14.2017.  The best little secret gem is an inscription inside the ring- “Build A Bonfire”.

We can tell you all about the ring- but we’re ready to see it in person, and bet that you are, too! Stop by Fanladen between 4:30 and 7:30 Sunday to get your photo taken with our sparkly new bauble.

Riveters attending the match tomorrow will pick up their tickets from a table posted outside Memorial Stadium- distribution should begin at or around 4:30. Gates will open at 5:30- we’ll enter through the South Entrance, our area is up the stairs to the left.

Once you’re in the stadium and have located your seats, we know some of you might be looking for a drink. This year, in order to get into the beer garden, you’ll need to buy tokens at the food concessions prior to entering. Please be prepared. And don’t forget ID!

Late to the party? We’ve got you!

You can still stand with us at Memorial- follow this link, choose “upper grandstand”, and on the checkout page, use promo code RIVETERS

These tickets are $12 plus a $6 fee. (Yes, you will have to create an account. Sorry about that!)

See you in Seattle!

Impact NW is a local organization that has been helping low-income Portland residents since 1966. Today, they have services available in Multnomah, Clark, Washington and Clackamas Counties and parts of Washington state. In our upcoming Match Day Drive, our focus will be on filling their pantry near the stadium.

Impact NW offers immediate assistance to those in our community who are either homeless or in transition, and often those they are helping do not have access to food prep stations.

Please bring non-perishable pantry items to the Fanladen (1633 SW Alder St) before you head into the stadium. The individuals and families these organizations are helping may not have access to a safe home to cook in, so if your item requires cooking, please make it microwavable and easy to open. Often those seeking help are in need of very substantial (protein-heavy) foods, like peanut butter or tuna. Below is a complete list of the items we are looking to collect:

Oatmeal (packets)
Peanut butter (jars and single-serve cups)
Cereals (single-serve packages)
Pop-Tarts
Noodles and pasta (canned with pop-up lids, cups, or microwavable bags)
Rice dishes (cups, microwavable bags)
Mac & cheese (regular boxed and microwavable)
Fruit cups
Fruit leather
Granola/trail bars
Crackers
Rice cakes (Quaker)
Assorted nuts (single-serve packages)
Juice box packs
Canned goods (pop-up lids are best, please) – Soup, vegetables, tuna, chili

As always, thank you for your care, generosity, and concern for vulnerable neighbors in our community.

Pre-Match/Tailgate Information:

Friday night meet up – anyone who is in town can join us at the Green Pig Pub downtown http://thegreenpigpub.com. They are located at 31 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, just 2 blocks from the Little America hotel.

Saturday afternoon tailgate – The Royals SG (The Court), have invited us to join them at Rio Tinto in the Auric Solar Lot 4 – they will be there beginning at 4:00 MT, and we are welcome to come anytime. Bring drinks & snacks to share!

(Parking is $10 at RioT; TRAX is $2.50 one way – take Blue line & exit at the Sandy Expo stop)

Rio Tinto Stadium Game Day Information:

We will all be seated in Section 7. The front row will be reserved for capos. We will have drums, banners & flags!

Please meet at the East Gate no later than 5:55 p.m. MT.

6:00 p.m. MT – all traveling Riveters will enter together, you will need to show your printed ticket(s) at this point.

Stadium rules:

no smoke or flares
bags no larger than 14x14x6
no outside food or drink
no sealed water bottles
empty water bottles ok – filling stations inside
no profanities in chants or yelled (family-friendly stadium)
they have cleared Section 6 as a kind of buffer for us
stadium staff will be assigned to us in case we need anything
possible 15 minute hold before exiting post-match

For any general questions, please email awaytravel@107ist.org !

And last but not least…DON’T FORGET TO PRINT & BRING YOUR TICKET!

See you in Utah!

Your Rose City Riveters Travel Crew

Keepers Care for Kids will be collecting new plushies/teddy bears/stuffed animals at the home opener April 15th for The Children’s Center of Clackamas County. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we’re glad for the opportunity to help this worthy organization. Your caring donations, which can be dropped off at fanladen, will bring comfort to a local child who may be experiencing trauma.

Kids are referred to Children’s Center by law enforcement agencies, child protective workers, parents, teachers, health care providers, therapists, and others concerned for their welfare. As a private, non-profit child abuse intervention center, they offer child-centered abuse and neglect evaluations. They partner with local agencies responsible for intervening when there is concern for child maltreatment.

As the Designated Medical Professional (DMP) for Clackamas County, their primary goal is to provide children and adolescents with comprehensive child abuse assessments in a trauma-informed and child-centered environment. They also connect caregivers and children with services to help families sustain a healthy & happy home.

The 2018 season brings us a new venue for Away Days, as the Utah Royals are added on the NWSL roster.

The first meeting of Thorns and Royals will be Saturday, April 28th at 7:00pm Mountain Time @ Rio Tinto Stadium, located at 9256 State Street in Sandy, Utah.

Use this link to order tickets: https://timbersarmy.org/event-2866969

Flags are allowed with plastic poles under 6′, and drums are allowed as well. Watch the language, though! Heads up that bags will be inspected & cannot be larger than 14x14x6- clear bags are recommended.

We have obtained a discount for lodging at the Little America in downtown SLC.  Reservations & information can be found here: https://reservations.travelclick.com/4650?groupID=2145848

It appears that local transportation via the Trax Blue Line ($2.50 one way) goes from the hotel (Courthouse Station stop) to the Sandy Expo Station stop which is less than a 1/2 mile walk from Rio Tinto Stadium.

Somehow, in all the excitement of the Thorns winning the championship and the ensuing celebrations throughout all of Portland, one of our Rose City Riveters banners has come up missing.

We think it may be hiding from us, and perhaps is still a bit too giddy from partying to successfully make its way back home.

Now it is nearly time for the travel banner to suit up and get on the road for 2018 away matches- so banner, come back!

Have you seen it? Please let us know at info@rosecityriveters.org