Historic Attendance Record Set by Bay FC
In a historic sporting event on Saturday, Bay FC shattered the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) attendance record by drawing an impressive crowd of 40,091 fans at Oracle Park in San Francisco. This sold-out audience came to witness Bay FC face off against the Washington Spirit, marking a significant milestone for women’s soccer in the United States.
Previous Record and Venue Change
The previous NWSL record was held by the Chicago Stars, who pulled in 35,038 spectators during a match against Bay FC at Wrigley Field in June 2024.
Typically, Bay FC competes at PayPal Park in San Jose, where they enjoy a solid average attendance of over 13,400 per game. However, for this landmark occasion, they made the decision to host the match at the iconic home of the San Francisco Giants.
Club’s Statement and Significance
“Breaking the NWSL attendance record is a historic moment that extends far beyond a single match. It represents the foundation we are building at Bay FC and the legacy we hope to leave for future generations of players and fans. By pushing boundaries today, we are shaping what women’s football will look like tomorrow. Special thanks to each and every Bay Area fan. You made this historic moment possible.”
Impact on Women’s Sports
Saturday’s turnout not only set a new NWSL record but also became the highest attendance figure for any women’s professional sports league in the U.S. With this event, the NWSL has now established 48 out of the 50 most attended matches in the history of women’s professional sports in America. Previously, Bay FC’s largest crowd was 18,000 during their inaugural NWSL match in March 2024.
Match Outcome
However, despite the record-setting attendance, the day was a tough one for Bay FC on the field. The Washington Spirit struck early, with goals from Kate Wiesner, Croix Bethune, and Kelli Hubly in the first half. The Spirit also made headlines with the return of U.S. soccer star Trinity Rodman to the starting lineup for the first time in five months. Although Racheal Kundananji and Kelli Hubly managed to pull back two goals for Bay FC, the team ultimately could not secure a tie, extending their winless streak to six games.
