NWSL Team Seattle Reign FC Upgrades By Selling Beer

The home of Seattle Reign FC since their first National Women’s Soccer League season in 2014 was Memorial Stadium in Seattle Center. But late 2017, the NWSL made it clear that due to the declining attendance and conditions inside the stadium, they had to find a more suitable home.

While making sure they remain in Washington, they have decided to move to Cheney Stadium in Tacoma for the upcoming 2019 season. 

Beginning with the 2019 @NWSL season, @ReignFC will play its home matches at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. Owners Bill and Teresa Predmore penned an open letter to fans & supporters of the club detailing the move.

Read it here: https://t.co/dT3oyp2PxV pic.twitter.com/l3fx0uRJY9

— Reign FC (@ReignFC) January 30, 2019

In the press conference, Reign FC captain Megan Rapinoe emphasized the upgrade of the new stadium and the improvements that are being made from their ancient Seattle stadium. For starters, they will be playing on a grass pitch, which is a massive upgrade for those who have gotten one too many turf burns. IYKYK.

And most importantly, the selling of beer, which is obviously a priority when attending a sporting event. I didn’t say it, Rapinoe did, so it must be true. 

Cheney Stadium is a baseball facility, home to the Tacoma Rainiers minor league team. 

Cheney Stadium seating map with legend based on feedback from ticket sales guy. pic.twitter.com/Xg3hT1HBjp

— LO Monaghan (@LO_Monaghan) February 1, 2019

However, the new Reign FC are not the only Washington team to experience change as the USL team, Seattle Sounders FC 2, also has a new identity: Tacoma Defiance. They announced their transition to Tacoma, as well as playing their home matches at Cheney Stadium. 

Both Washington teams are awaiting a 5,000-seat, soccer-specific facility in Central Tacoma, which the clubs agreed to build in 2017. Until that is underway, the home of both teams will be Cheney. 

Uniting for the game we love. pic.twitter.com/M7fcFLcKEI

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) January 31, 2019

It is satisfying knowing that both genders are receiving an equal opportunity to play in similar conditions. The transformation to Tacoma will provide a more modern match-day experience for fans and the players. I mean, anything is an upgrade from their last stadium, which was built in the 1940s. Major yikes. 

The future for Reign FC and women’s soccer in general is improving little by little, giving younger generations hope for the future.