Bay FC’s Historic Match
Bay FC is on the brink of establishing a new attendance record for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) during their upcoming match against the Washington Spirit this Friday at Oracle Park. The team is anticipating a crowd exceeding 40,000 supporters, as over 35,000 tickets have already been purchased for the game.
Significance of the Event
This particular event is not just a match but a significant occasion for Bay FC, illustrated by the words of CEO Brady Stewart, who emphasized the match’s importance to both the local community and the broader landscape of women’s sports.
“We are incredibly proud of what this match means for Bay FC, for the Bay Area, and for the NWSL. To set a new attendance record is a reflection of the passion and energy our fans bring every time we step on the field. This is about more than just a match; it is about pushing boundaries and creating something bigger than ourselves.”
He encouraged those attending on Saturday to recognize their role in making history and showcasing the potential of women’s sports.
Team Performance and Attendance
The team, which typically plays at PayPal Park in San Jose, draws an average of over 13,400 fans per home game. Last season, they attracted a record crowd of 35,038 for a match against Chicago Stars FC at the historic Wrigley Field. Despite currently sitting outside of playoff contention following a recent 2-1 defeat to San Diego Wave FC, Bay FC remains just three points shy of a playoff position.
Impact on Women’s Sports
The significance of this upcoming match cannot be overstated, as the NWSL now boasts 48 of the top 50 highest attendance figures ever recorded in women’s professional sports in the U.S. NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman remarked on the event, stating:
“This is a landmark moment not just for Bay FC or the NWSL, but for the future of women’s professional sports in the United States. Breaking the league’s single-match attendance record at a venue as iconic as Oracle Park is a testament to the growing demand, passion, and momentum behind our league.”
Looking Ahead
The match is merely the beginning of a series of events celebrating women’s soccer in the Bay Area, setting the stage for the 2025 NWSL Championship to be hosted there in November. The excitement surrounding this weekend’s game is a promising sign for the season’s conclusion.
