PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Cherry Bombs FC today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Portland Opera, bringing live operatic performance directly into the matchday experience. Beginning with the club’s inaugural home opener on Sunday May 17th, Portland Opera artists will perform live at every home match, blending sport, music, and culture in a way that redefines what a soccer stadium can sound and feel like.

At each game, a pianist and four opera singers will lead crowd chants, perform live vocal arrangements, and provide real-time musical scoring that responds to the action on the pitch. The collaboration turns every match into a fully immersive, high-energy experience rooted in Portland’s creative identity.

“This is exactly the kind of idea we get excited about, unexpected, bold, and rooted in what makes Portland special. We’re not interested in doing things the traditional way. Said Cherry Bombs owner Alan Miller, “We want every Cherry Bombs match to feel alive, emotional, and completely different from anything else in sports. Partnering with Portland Opera brings a level of energy and artistry that elevates the entire experience.”

For Portland Opera, the collaboration represents an opportunity to meet audiences where they are, bringing opera out of traditional venues and into one of the most dynamic community spaces in the city.

“We couldn’t be prouder of this collaboration. It’s so fun, it’s such a great community connection, and it’s so very Portland! It’s going to be amazing to bring these audiences together; You belong at Portland Opera, and you belong with the Cherry Bombs!" says Artistic Director, Alfrelynn Roberts.

The partnership reflects the Cherry Bombs’ broader vision of building a club that sits at the intersection of sport, culture, and community. Known for its identity-driven approach and deep ties to Portland’s creative and political history, the club continues to push beyond traditional boundaries of women’s sports.

The Portland Cherry Bombs kick off their inaugural season on May 17th at Lents Park, bringing a new era of women’s soccer to the city with an emphasis on community, culture, and connection.

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.cherrybombstickets.com/

About Portland Cherry Bombs FC

Portland Cherry Bombs FC is a pre-professional women’s soccer club based in Portland, Oregon, competing in the USL W League. Founded by COLLiDE Sport, the club draws inspiration from Portland’s riot grrrl movement, independent music culture, and the trailblazers who reshaped the game. Built on the values of radical inclusion, community connection, creative rebellion, and player empowerment, the Cherry Bombs use soccer as a platform for culture, expression, and opportunity. The club will kick off its inaugural season in May 2026, bringing a bold new chapter for women’s soccer to the Pacific Northwest.

About Portland Opera

Founded in 1964, Portland Opera is the largest professional opera company in Oregon and a leading cultural institution in the Pacific Northwest. Known for innovative productions, community-centered programming, and artistic excellence, Portland Opera is committed to making opera accessible, relevant, and inspiring for audiences of all backgrounds. Through mainstage productions, educational initiatives, and creative collaborations across the region, Portland Opera continues to redefine what opera can be and who it is for.

Media Contact
Sara Tucker Kastens
(702) 875-5078
sara@portlandpicklesbaseball.com