Dodgers News: Billie Jean King Throwing Out First Pitch On 7th Annual LGBT Night At Dodger Stadium
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers will host their seventh annual LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium on Friday, May 31, when the team faces the Philadelphia Phillies. The Dodgers announced a special ticket package that includes a game ticket and exclusive LGBT-themed duffle bag.

“We are once again excited to work with so many incredible partners for our seventh annual LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium,” Dodgers senior vice president of marketing, communications and broadcasting Erik Braverman said.

“We look forward to creating a fun and memorable night as we strive to grow this annual event into the largest in all of professional sports. The Dodgers, with a long and well documented history of diversity, recognize the value of an inclusive environment.”

The Dodgers have partnered with LA Pride for a third consecutive year, and will host the organization’s official kickoff party beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the right field plaza bar. The event will last until first pitch.

Dodgers part owner Billie Jean King was selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Life Magazine named King one of the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century” and in 2009 President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of her work on and off the court.

King was the first female athlete and the first woman from the LGBTQ community to receive the Medal of Freedom. King joined the Dodgers ownership group last September.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center, the world’s largest provider of programs and services for LGBT people, and its CEO Lorri Jean will be honored during pregame ceremonies with a Dodgers Community Hero Award.

The national anthem will be performed by singer, actor and strong supporter of the LGBT community, Nikki Blonsky. The Dodgers will also welcome the cast and creator David Collins of Netflix’s hit show “Queer Eye,” and former Dodger Billy Bean, who currently serves as Major League Baseball’s vice president & special assistant to the commissioner, as special guests.

LGBT Night will also include Friday Night Fireworks and feature a special music mix by DJ Bowie Jane. Fans are invited on the field immediately following the game for the fireworks show.