Spectators Ejected from Portland Thorns Match at Park
The team removed fans for violating guidelines regarding the distribution of unapproved materials on October 23.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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Fans wearing apparel from XX-XY Athletics were removed from a recent Portland Thorns match at Providence Park after the team stated they violated fan guidelines regarding the distribution of unapproved materials. Among those ejected on October 23 was Brandi Kruse, a commentator who supports Initiative 638.
Why it matters
The incident centers on an ongoing, high-stakes debate over sex-based sports categories that will reach a decision point for Washington voters in November. The Portland Thorns maintain their actions were based on uniform enforcement of stadium policies, while those removed represent an apparel brand that advocates for maintaining sex-segregated sports.
There are approximately 110,000 girls participating in Washington school sports, a figure relevant to the upcoming November 2026 ballot measure on sex-based sports categories. It remains unknown exactly what materials were distributed at the stadium.
The players
Portland Thorns
A professional women's soccer team based in Portland that plays its matches at Providence Park.
Brandi Kruse
A commentary host who leads the show Undivided and supports Initiative 638.
Jennifer Sey
The founder of the athletic apparel company XX-XY Athletics.
The details
Providence Park security personnel physically restrained and escorted Brandi Kruse from the stands on October 23, following an earlier, similar removal of a group wearing the same apparel in September. The Portland Thorns stated that the ejectees violated fan guidelines prohibiting the distribution of unapproved materials. The apparel brand worn by the group, XX-XY Athletics, was founded by Jennifer Sey and markets the position that sex-based categories in sports should remain intact.
Timeline
September 2026: A separate group wearing similar apparel was ejected from Providence Park.
October 23, 2026: Brandi Kruse was ejected from a match.
November 2026: Washington voters decide on Initiative 638.
Beyond the Bridges
This incident follows the intense public debate surrounding Washington's Initiative 638, which would bar biologically male students from female-designated school sports. The stadium tension highlights how regional ballot measures increasingly influence public decorum at sporting venues.
Spectators attending future matches at Providence Park should remain aware of stadium guidelines regarding the distribution of any materials. Policies on prohibited items are strictly enforced by venue security staff.
The takeaway
The Thorns cited guideline violations for the removal, emphasizing the importance of checking stadium conduct rules before attending events. Keep an eye on the November 2026 election results regarding the future of school sports policies in Washington.
Further reading
For broader context on local policy debates and community events, check the Women’s Issues section.
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Should sports venues be permitted to remove spectators for wearing apparel with political messages?
