Major League Soccer club Orlando City on Wednesday unveiled 49 rainbow-colored seats in section 12 of its new stadium as a tribute to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting.
On June 12, 49 people were killed at the Orlando nightclub when a lone gunman entered the establishment and opened fire.
Orlando City chose the rainbow colors with the hashtag Orlando United on each seat to represent its mission to be an "inclusive, diverse and welcoming community." The rest of the seats in the brand-new downtown stadium are purple and white.
Always a part of our new home. #OrlandoUnited pic.twitter.com/S28OQd8nmG
- Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) January 4, 2017
Club founder Phil Rawlins thanked staff and construction workers at the dedication and told the Orlando City website: "We are here to commemorate and unveil the 49 rainbow-colored seats that will sit permanently in section 12 of our stadium as a constant reminder of the senseless acts of June 12.
"These are regular season-ticket holder seats. We put them in section 12 because obviously we felt that was pertinent. It was June 12th last year when the tragedy happened. They are right down by the benches and will certainly be seen by everyone in the stadium."
The first match at the new stadium is scheduled for March 5, when Orlando City will host New York City FC on the opening weekend of the 2017 MLS season.
Also on Wednesday, Orlando City SC announced the signing of Brazilian left-back Victor "PC" Giro on a four-year contract.
PC split time between the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Tampa Bay Rowdies in the NASL last year and scored against Orlando in the U.S. Open Cup.
"He is a young, energetic and skillful player that will give us creativity and versatility up the left side," Lions general manager Niki Budalic said in a statement.