EDINBURG – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Student Equality Alliance, Pride Home Rio Grande Valley (RGV), and UTRGV Office for Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention (OVAVP) are teaming up for Pride in the Ballpark on Friday when the UTRGV Baseball team hosts North Dakota at 7 p.m. at UTRGV Baseball Stadium.
 
"We hope this collaboration and unification will strengthen the bonds within the student body and the community," Student Equality Alliance President John De la Garza said.
 
UTRGV Athletics will be collecting donations of toiletry items to benefit Pride Home RGV, a shelter that offers assistance to abandoned and victimized members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) community. Acceptable donations include toilet paper, deodorant, soap, shampoo, razors, and other hygiene products.
 
"Pride Home RGV was dreamed up after a dear friend of mine committed suicide. He was also a member of the LGBTQ community," Pride Home RGV Director Sarah Chavez said. "There are many youth throughout the Rio Grande Valley who are struggling, as they're being rejected for their gender and sexual identity. Like any home, we are focused on paying for rent and electricity first. This leaves limited funds for household necessities. We rely on support from the community to make our house a home."
 
Fans 18 and older that donate a toiletry item will receive a five-dollar discounted general admission ticket. Fans 17 and younger that donate will receive three-dollar discounted general admission tickets. UTRGV students, who get in free with their student IDs, will receive free popcorn vouchers.
 
Pride in the Ballpark will also feature:
 

• Positive Statement Wall

                  -Fans are encouraged to share their words about embracing equality.
 

• "If you can play, you can play" video premiere.

 

• Bracelet and poster making station.

 

• UTRGV Pulse will distribute its free, newly published magazine that includes two stories concerning equality issues.

 

• ALLY Training Registration

-Fans can register for the UTRGV ALLY Training Program, which is dedicated to providing support and education to LGBTQ individuals at UTRGV.
 

• "Turn Texas Teal," led by OVAVP, photo opportunities

- Statewide campaign in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month (April).
 

• Voter Registration, courtesy of the Texas Freedom Network

 

• Church's Chicken Cluck Truck 

 
"Racist, sexist, and homophobic language is not accepted at UTRGV," UTRGV Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations Chelsea Blakely said. "We believe in embracing our differences and celebrating equality. UTRGV Athletics is thrilled to be partnering with groups and organizations that feel the same way."
 
This is the first of six-straight promotional nights for UTRGV Baseball, continuing Saturday at 6 p.m. with Selena Night. The first 100 fans in attendance will receive a Selena Night poster. Additionally, there will be Selena music, videos, and trivia throughout the game.
 
During Sunday's 12 p.m. game, UTRGV Athletics is teaming up with the Food Bank RGV to Strike Out Hunger. Every fan that donates four non-perishable food items will receive a free ticket. There is no limit on the number of tickets that can be redeemed.
 
Then, after a two-game road trip, UTRGV returns home the following weekend against Sacramento State for Earth Day, Family Day and Strike Out Hunger.
 
For more information, tickets, or special accommodations call (956) 665-2221.

Support UTRGV Athletics | Become a Fan on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Follow us on Instagram | Follow us on YouTube