Orlando City SC dedicate section in stadium to Pulse shooting victims

Major League Soccer club Orlando City unveiled 49 rainbow-colored seats in section 12 of its new stadium as a tribute to the victims and families of those affected by the Pulse Nightclub tragedy on 12 June 2016.

Each of the 49 permanent rainbow chairs is adorned with the hash tag #OrlandoUnited, created after the largest mass shooting in modern United States (US) history, when a gunman opened fire inside the gay nightclub Pulse, in Orlando, killing 49 people and wounding 53.

"With this tribute, Orlando City SC hope fans and those who visit the stadium from around the world always remember the City Beautiful for its inclusive, diverse and welcoming community," said the club in a statement.

The official unveil. #OrlandoUnited pic.twitter.com/YDAcmx9z5N

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) January 4, 2017

Phil Rawlins, the club's founder and recently named life-president, thanked staff and construction workers and said: "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."

Orlando City previously honored the victims with a number of gestures during a match against the San Jose Earthquakes on 18 June, including a stoppage of play in the 49th minute and the selling of #OrlandoUnited branded t-shirts with all net proceeds benefiting the City of Orlando’s OneOrlando Fund.