Bay FC is on the brink of making sports history as the club prepares to host the Washington Spirit at Oracle Park in San Francisco on August 23. This match marks a groundbreaking moment not only for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) but for women’s professional sports in the United States. With over 35,000 tickets already sold as of midweek, the event is set to break the current U.S. women’s professional sports attendance record of 35,038, which was also set by Bay FC just last year at Wrigley Field. Oracle Park, typically home to Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants, boasts a capacity of 40,260—offering ample room for the club to raise the bar even higher.
This will be the first women’s sporting event ever held at Oracle Park since it opened in 2000. It’s a milestone not only in terms of attendance, but in the continued elevation of women’s sports visibility and commercial viability. Bay FC’s decision to host the match at such an iconic venue reflects a broader ambition: to redefine what’s possible for professional women’s soccer and to expand its reach far beyond its traditional fan base. The club has marketed the event as “The Show,” with festivities including live music performances from Bay Area artists, immersive fan experiences, and national broadcast coverage via CBS.
Bay FC’s CEO Brady Stewart has emphasized that this event is more than just a match; it’s a cultural statement. In interviews leading up to the big game, Stewart said the club wants to prove that women’s sports can fill major stadiums, generate serious economic impact, and command national attention. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman echoed that view, calling the Oracle Park game a testament to the league’s momentum and the passion of its fans.
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Bay FC, though only in its second season, has already become one of the NWSL’s most talked-about franchises. The team’s average attendance numbers are among the highest in the league, and its community outreach efforts have been lauded by sports equity advocates. What makes the Oracle Park event even more significant is that it comes amid a growing nationwide wave of support for women’s sports, as evidenced by record-breaking viewership numbers, sponsorship deals, and rising participation at the youth level.
In addition to the buzz surrounding the upcoming match, Bay FC is taking tangible steps to ensure its impact goes beyond a single evening of record-setting attendance. The club recently launched a new all-girls youth soccer league aimed at expanding access and support for underserved communities. This initiative is part of Bay FC’s broader mission to foster inclusive growth in the sport and inspire the next generation of female athletes. Club officials have expressed that moments like the Oracle Park game are vital not just for visibility, but for showing young girls what’s possible when women’s sports are prioritized and celebrated.
The significance of Bay FC’s efforts is not lost on other cities, including Miami, where women’s sports are also on the rise. Miami’s expanding youth soccer programs and growing interest in professional women’s athletics find a parallel in what Bay FC is building on the West Coast. The Oracle Park match serves as a blueprint for how strategic community investment, bold venue choices, and strong fan engagement can work together to elevate a team—and a league—to new heights.
As game day approaches, the energy surrounding Bay FC’s historic match continues to build. For fans, players, and advocates alike, it’s more than just a soccer game. It’s a moment of cultural resonance, a statement about equity in sports, and a potential turning point in how women’s professional leagues are viewed—and valued—in the American sports landscape. Bay FC is not just aiming to win on the pitch; it’s aiming to transform the game itself.