Kickoff party at the Reuben’s Brews taproom on Thursday, December 9th.

In addition to a dozen breweries, the Ballard neighbrohood now has a semi-professional soccer club, Ballard FC. Reuben’s Brews announced yesterday that it has signed on as the club’s title sponsor. (Pictured above, Ballard FC’s co-founders Sam Zisette, Chris Kaimmer, and Lamar Neagle.)

To celebrate the arrival of Ballard FC and the partnership, Reuben’s Brews is hosting a launch party at its Taproom on December 9th at 6:00 PM. At the event, guest can learn more about the team, connect with team leadership, get information on season tickets, purchase merchandise, and hear from special guests. Ballard FC kicks off its first season this coming summer and will play its home games at Interbay Stadium. More info about all of this in the press release below.

Ballard FC Announced as a New Semi-Professional Soccer Team in  Seattle; Public Launch Party on December 9 

Ballard FC will play home games at Interbay Stadium and will engage the greater Ballard  community by empowering small businesses, creating opportunities for youth, and amplifying  the work of local non-profit organizations 

SEATTLE — December 1, 2021 — Ballard FC today announced the formation of the Seattle region’s first neighborhood-based semi-professional soccer team. Starting in Summer 2022, the team will compete in the USL League Two and hold home games at Interbay Stadium. Ballard  FC was co-founded by Seattle Sounders FC legend and Federal Way, Wash. native, Lamar  Neagle, and Ballard High School graduates and seasoned soccer leaders, Sam Zisette and Chris Kaimmer.  

The team will host eight home games throughout the summer-long league and provide fans with a community-oriented gameday experience including kids’ activities, locally-owned food vendors and craft beers, Ballard-centric theme nights, and fundraising opportunities for local organizations. Of the 1,000 seat capacity Interbay Stadium, approximately 300 tickets will be allocated for season tickets. Season ticket deposits are available online for $22. More information on tickets can be found on Ballard FC’s website www.goballardfc.com.  

“Bringing a high-caliber soccer team to the greater Ballard area has been a dream for a long time. What will distinguish Ballard FC is our integration and commitment to the community,” said  Ballard FC co-founder, Sam Zisette. “Everything we do will be intimate and hyper-local: from the game-day activations to the players, sponsors and community partners. Ballard is truly a special place with a proud history and culture all its own. There is no community more ready for this!”  

Ballard FC will draw from the region’s best men’s soccer players including local collegiate stars,  ex-professionals, and rising youth players. For many players, USL League Two is the last step before playing professionally. Tryouts and player selection are anticipated to occur in March  2022. 

“Prior to going pro, I played with the Des Moines Menace, a USL League Two team out of  Iowa,” said former Seattle Sounders FC star, Lamar Neagle. “So I know first-hand the incredible impact community-centered teams can have on both up-and-coming players, and the community at large. This is an exciting time for soccer fans and players alike.” 

As the league’s newest expansion team, Ballard FC will play in the Northwest Division of the  Western Conference in USL League Two. Divisional opponents are located in Washington and  Oregon. The summer-only season consists of 14 regular season division matches followed by playoffs. Eighty percent of MLS Draft selections since 2010 have played in the USL League Two.  

Ballard FC Launch Party 

Ballard FC will host a launch party at Reuben’s Brews Taproom located at 5010 14th Ave NW,  Seattle, WA 98107 on Thursday, December 9th at 6:00 pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the team, connect with team leadership, get information on season tickets,  purchase merchandise and hear from special guests.  

More information about Ballard FC or the launch party, visit www.goballardfc.com or follow them on Instagram at @goballardfc, Twitter at @goballardfc, or on Facebook at Ballard FC.