PHOENIX – The three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury will host the team’s second annual Pride Night, brought to you by Simple, when they take on the Connecticut Sun this Friday, June 19 at US Airways Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

For Pride Night, the Mercury will wear its purple road uniforms, a color synonymous with anti-bullying advocacy and support of LGBT youth.   Festivities will tip off with the Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus singing the National Anthem and a halftime performance from the Phoenix Women’s Chorus.

In addition, the first 4,000 fans in attendance will receive a special double-sided “Proud Mercury X-Factor” placard, one side of which will include the statement: “I’m Proud of _____”. Fans can fill in their placard at each entrance to the arena. An image of the Pride Night placard is attached.

As a part of the organization’s commitment to equality, a number of LGBT organizations will be featured or recognized throughout the night, including the Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GPGLCC), Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Phoenix Pride and ONE Community. The Mercury will recap last season’s Pride Night event in which the team signed ONE Community’s Unity Pledge for workplace equality and inclusion.

The WNBA is the first professional sports league to establish an integrated marketing, media, grassroots and social responsibility program for the LGBT community including a new special site, WNBA.com/pride, where league and team Pride content, events and schedules will be posted throughout the season.

Founded in 2009 and based in Portland, Oregon, Simple offers online banking that combines modern technology, unmatched user experience, and behavioral economics to help its customers spend smarter and live better. Find out more about the way banking should be, at www.simple.com/mercury

Sandy Brondello, 2014 WNBA Coach of the Year, leads All-Star Candice Dupree and three-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year DeWanna Bonner as the Mercury continue to defend their title on Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m. against the Connecticut Sun at US Airways Center. Single game tickets, as well as exclusive four-game plan options and pro-rated X-Factor Memberships, are available by calling 602-252-WNBA or by visiting PhoenixMercury.com.