PITTSBURGH (May 8, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are pleased to announce a promotional partnership with FC Schalke 04, welcoming the renowned Bundesliga club to the Steel City on May 19-20.

FC Schalke 04 is one of the most popular teams in Europe with a passionate fan base that spans the world. Based in the Ruhr area, about 25 miles from Dusseldorf, the club’s nickname “Die Knappen” stems from the old German word for “miners” because in the early days many players were from the coalmines of Gelsenkirchen. Now the club has more than 145,000 members, making it the fifth largest sports club in the world in terms of membership. FC Schalke 04 also regularly plays in top international soccer competition including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

The partnership will extend throughout 2017, with the clubs expected to partner up on various community-related events.

Schalke’s mascot Erwin will be in town the weekend of May 19-20 to get a tour of Pittsburgh with the Hounds’ mascot Amo, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Duquesne Incline, Carnegie Science Center, Market Square and many more. Keep up-to-date on the mascots’ whereabouts by following the Hounds Twitter at @PghRiverhounds.

The following day, dubbed “Super Soccer Saturday,” will see the Highmark Stadium Heineken “Soccer is Here” Pub host a Schalke Watch Party at 9:30 a.m. for the club’s tilt against rival FC Ingolstadt 04 on Fox Sports. Erwin will also be in attendance for the Hounds match later in the night against Louisville City FC at 7 p.m. Fans will receive a free Schalke-Riverhounds drawstring bag, and kids can win prizes in the fan zone.

Further questions on the FC Schalke promotion can be directed to Director of Sales & Corporate Sponsorships Julie Klausner at jklausner@riverhounds.com. For tickets to the May 20 tilt, visit Riverhounds.com.

More info on all the scheduled events for Saturday, May 20, as well as future events with FC Schalke can be found below.

Schalke Viewing Party – 9:30 a.m. – May 20 – Promotional Giveaway

Schalke is hosting a special Viewing Party at the Highmark Stadium Heineken “Soccer is Here” Pub where all fans will receive a Free German-style sausage breakfast, Free Schalke scarf, and free round when Schalke scores their first goal. Join us for a fun-packed Saturday morning with friends and world-class soccer.

Hounds vs. Louisville City FC - 7:00 p.m. – May 20 – Promotional Giveaway

The Riverhounds take on rival Louisville City FC at 7 p.m. that evening at Highmark Stadium. All fans in attendance will receive a co-branded Schalke/Riverhounds drawstring bag and get their picture taken with Erwin and have a chance to partake in various activities at the venue. Running alongside Military Appreciation Night, contact 412-865-GOAL for more information on discounted tickets for all military service members and veterans.

Youth Soccer Clinic – Date and Location TBD

Coaches from Schalke and the Riverhounds will be hosting a youth soccer clinic later in the season. Date and time to be announced.