Abby Woodside, Gonzaga University ’24
When the U.S. Women’s National Team walked into Giants Stadium for the 1999 World Cup in front of a record-breaking crowd of over 78,000 cheering fans, neither the fans nor players had any idea just how big an impact this game and this team would have on soccer.
Spokane is about to experience a similar historic moment on March 16 when Spokane Velocity FC takes the pitch for their home opener. This will be the first-ever professional soccer match played in Spokane.
This is certain to be a professional sports experience like none other with a packed ONE Spokane Stadium and the launch of new traditions that will “wow” fans. An overhead drone photo will capture this groundbreaking game before the first kick. This print will become a commemorative giveaway item for fans who present their home opener ticket stub at the USL Spokane Team Store.
Just like the 1999 Women’s World Cup team propelled and advanced soccer within America, Spokane Zephyr FC, and Velocity FC are positioned to influence and expand soccer in Spokane, and nationwide
Soccer has been percolating in Spokane since the 1950s when Karl Hoffman recruited a group of friends to start a team. At this point, the Inland Northwest was unfamiliar with soccer, but Hoffman’s team began to spread the sport.
This squad became the Spokane Spokes, who practiced on Gonzaga University’s old football field and played against the preliminary GU soccer team.
Members of this groundbreaking squad will attend the opening Velocity FC match.
Now, the sport of soccer has grown to include more than 20 Spokane youth soccer programs and camps, but these young aspiring soccer players have not had local professional teams or players to look up to until now.
Velocity FC and Zephyr FC will be that missing piece. “To grow up and witness professional sports in their area is going to be incredible. It’s going to inspire kids,” commented Silje Squires, Vice President of the Gonzaga University Kennel Club.
Katie and Ryan Harnetiaux, the owners of Velocity FC and Zephyr FC, have held inspiration and community support at the heart of creating these teams from the very beginning.
Following these values, Spokane Velocity FC is excited to recognize local youth soccer players and hometown soccer heroes at their first matches.
There will be group nights throughout the year recognizing individuals who make our community safe and strong including healthcare workers, first responders, teachers, veterans and members of the military, and more. USL Spokane is also working to involve local talent on game days, including national anthem singers. If you are interested in participating in this inaugural season, don’t hesitate to contact USL Spokane.
Along with community support, Jamie Bartlett, leader of the 509 Syndicate supporter group, believes economic growth will follow the teams.
“Every game weekend, we will bring people in from the surrounding areas into downtown, and that can be really exciting as far as normal economic development,” noted Bartlett.
The economic benefits are already underway through the construction of ONE Spokane Stadium and the many partnerships with local businesses and industries the club has announced over the past couple months.
Incredible time and investment by soccer pioneers, fans like those in the 509 Syndicate, area youth players, coaches and leaders, Spokane business leaders, Spokane Public Schools, the Public Facilities District, and USL Spokane have led to this monumental time for Spokane.
“There were many times over the last two years that I dreamt about this moment. The fact that Spokane’s professional soccer team is about to hit the pitch, in an amazing stadium on the river in the middle of downtown is literally a dream come true,” said Katie Harnetiaux, President and Co-Owner of USL Spokane.
The growth and impact of professional soccer in Spokane is immeasurable. Who knows, maybe Spokane will become a nationwide meca for soccer like it has become for basketball (Hoopfest) and running (Bloomsday and The Boulevard Race). The best is certainly yet to come! .
Do you have your tickets for the home opener on March 16? Secure them now!
