Event scheduled for Thursday, June 19 from 4–7 p.m. at E. 3rd Street, Downtown Morgan Hill
On Thursday, June 19 from 4 to 7 p.m., Downtown Morgan Hill will host a Summer Kickoff & Twilight Market featuring the Bay Area Panthers, the professional indoor football team that calls the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center (MHOSC) its official training facility. This complimentary, family-friendly celebration blends community pride, entertainment, and the grand opening of the first Downtown Morgan Hill Twilight Market. Residents and regional fans are encouraged to get into the summer state of mind and enjoy the glow of Morgan Hill’s downtown.
Hosted by the Downtown Morgan Hill Improvement District, in partnership with the Bay Area Panthers and Visit Morgan Hill, the event will transform a portion of downtown’s E. Third Street into a high-energy block party. Attendees of the debut Thursday evening Twilight Market will have a chance to meet Bay Area Panthers players, coaches, and front office staff, enjoy interactive football-themed programs, and participate in kids-themed activities. There will also be opportunities to enter to win merchandise and tickets to Panther home games, which take place at the SAP Center in San Jose.
The Twilight Market brings a showcase of 20 artisan vendors in a festive open-air ambiance to downtown, as the first of a series of seasonal “twilight” markets. Attendees can shop local arts and crafts, enjoy music, and take advantage of special offers from downtown restaurants, like a s’mores bar at the downtown hot spot MOHI Farm. Hosting the event on a Thursday evening invites families to ease into summer weekends with a fun, low-stress outing, perfect for enjoying longer days, cooler evenings, and the cheerfully lighted downtown atmosphere.
“This event illustrates Morgan Hill’s community spirit, local flavor, and growing presence as a destination for sports and outdoor experiences,” said Krista Rupp, Executive Director of Visit Morgan Hill. “We’re thrilled to kick off summer with the Bay Area Panthers and celebrate the launch of our downtown’s new Twilight Markets.”
“The Bay Area Panthers are proud to be part of this celebration and connect with the South County community in such a vibrant setting,” said David Eisenberg, Team President of the Bay Area Panthers. “We’re excited to bring the energy of Panthers football to Downtown Morgan Hill and participate in events that celebrate local pride and strengthen community connections.”
The Summer Kickoff event highlights include:
- Meet and greet with the Bay Area Panthers players and coaches
- Twilight maker’s market grand opening with 20 vendors
- Kid-friendly play zone and football-themed activities
- Special restaurant promotions
- Raffle prizes
- Live DJ and more
The Summer Kickoff & Twilight Market event sets the stage for a packed weekend of Morgan Hill-based festivities including the weekly Friday Night Music Series on June 20 and the Tequila & Taco Festival at the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center on Saturday, June 21. On Sunday, June 22, the Bay Area Panthers’ take on the Arizona Rattlers on their home turf at the SAP Center.
For a full schedule of summer events and downtown happenings, go to VisitMorganHill.org or follow @VisitMorganHillCA on Instagram or Facebook. For more information about the Bay Area Panthers, visit bayareapanthers.com or follow @panthersifl on Instagram or Facebook.
About Visit Morgan Hill
Visit Morgan Hill is a 501(c)6 non-profit destination marketing organization (DMO), dedicated to positioning Morgan Hill as a leisure, sports, and event tourism destination. Funded by the Morgan Hill Tourism Business Improvement District (MHTBID), and guided by a strategic plan, Visit Morgan Hill implements marketing communications, business development, and industry partnership to promote Morgan Hill and attract overnight visitors. Morgan Hill is a refreshing getaway spot that’s welcoming and easily accessible, located on Highway 101 in Northern California between Silicon Valley and the Central Coast. Stay and discover the abundance of award-winning wineries, an energetic downtown, up-and-coming culinary scene, art and boutique shopping, u-pick farms, cycling and hiking, state-of-the-art sporting facilities, special event venues, and local festivals. Connect on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
About Downtown Morgan Hill Improvement District
The Downtown Morgan Hill Improvement District (DMHID), responsible for the Morgan Hill Property and Business Improvement District (MHPBID), is a benefit assessment district dedicated to enhancing the vibrancy and economic success of Downtown Morgan Hill. Funded by Downtown commercial property owners, non-profits, and the City, their mission is to promote a safe, clean, and welcoming environment through targeted programming, beautification, and marketing. The DMHID has implemented enhanced sidewalk cleaning, lighting on the Monterey Road downtown corridor median trees, new event programming, and the Downtown Morgan Hill “Shop, Eat, Live Guide.”
About the Bay Area Panthers
Founded in 2019 and co-owned by Roy Choi and Marshawn Lynch, the Bay Area Panthers are a professional football team in the Western Conference of the Indoor Football League (IFL). In just their second season in 2023, the Bay Area Panthers secured their first IFL National Championship title, marking a defining moment in their rise within the league. Driven by excellence on the field and a strong commitment to their community, the Bay Area Panthers have cultivated a passionate and loyal fan base. While the team plays home games at the SAP Center in San Jose, its football operations are proudly based in Morgan Hill. Three exciting home matchups remain this season: June 7, June 22, and July 11. Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster.com. For more information visit www.bayareapanthers.com and follow the team @panthersifl on all major social media platforms.
