The journey of the Seattle Reign, now known as the OL Reign, reflects the triumphs and challenges faced by women’s sports in their pursuit of greater recognition and respect. Years of fervent calls for equitable treatment have led to tangible improvements in playing facilities, salaries, and cultural shifts within fanbases. However, the path to progress has been marked by both joy and frustration, leaving some fans yearning for a return to the simpler, more intimate connections of the past.
A Childhood Spent in the Magic of Memorial Stadium
My fondest childhood memories are deeply intertwined with the Seattle Reign at Memorial Stadium. Countless summer evenings, my family and I would gather in the stands, embracing the joy, simplicity, and perfection that permeated the atmosphere. The warm summer nights allowed us to revel in the game’s energy while the sun dipped below the horizon. A sense of peace and unity enveloped the stadium, as fans from diverse backgrounds connected through their shared love for the sport.
The supporters’ section pulsated with life, their original chants and cheers resonating with each game event. The energy was ebullient and infectious, drawing in fans of all ages and creating a profound sense of belonging. A personal favorite cheer, “We all cheer for Seattle Reign FC, Seattle Reign FC, Seattle Reign FC,” set to the tune of “Yellow Submarine,” perfectly captured the exuberance and camaraderie that defined the Reign experience.
This sense of intimacy extended beyond the fans to the players themselves. The players were more than just athletes; they were role models, inspiring young girls like me who longed for female and queer representation in professional sports. As a young female soccer player with limited professional figures to look up to, the Reign became a beacon of hope and inspiration.
The closeness between the players and supporters was a testament to the strong bond forged within the fanbase itself. The Reign provided a sanctuary where fans felt seen, understood, and cherished. The team’s struggles, however, mirrored the broader challenges faced by women’s sports, resulting in a mix of frustration and disappointment amidst the joy.
From Memorial Stadium to Cheney Stadium: A Shift in Venue and Identity
Despite the beautiful memories created at Memorial Stadium, the venue was far from ideal. The inadequate facilities – an aging high school field, outdated technology, and worn-out bleachers – highlighted the sexism and lack of investment that plagued women’s soccer. This reality, however, fueled the Reign’s determination to demand better treatment.
The Reign’s persistence paid off, leading to their move to Cheney Stadium in Tacoma in 2019. Though an upgrade from Memorial Stadium, Cheney remained a baseball field repurposed for soccer, leaving fans with a sense of disconnection from the intimate atmosphere they cherished. The relocation also eroded the team’s deep ties to Seattle, a significant aspect of their identity.
The Rise of Commercialization and a Shift in the Fanbase
The Reign’s ownership by the French club Olympique Lyonnais ushered in a new era of promotion and commercialization. While this brought increased awareness and financial resources, it also subtly altered the team’s culture, shifting the focus from the game itself to brand recognition. The intimacy and connection that once defined the Reign experience began to fade.
The move to Lumen Field in Seattle, a professional soccer stadium, was a victory for the Reign, signifying their growing recognition and respect. However, the accompanying commercialization had a detrimental impact on the fan experience. The magic and passion that once defined the stands were replaced by a more casual, less soccer-centric atmosphere.
The increased visibility brought a diverse audience, but not everyone was equally invested in the game. While many fans remained passionate and committed, others seemed to attend for the social experience, treating the match as a background element to their conversations. This shift was a stark contrast to the intense dedication and love displayed at men’s soccer matches, highlighting the continued disparity in appreciation and funding between the two genders.
Striving for a Balance: Promotion, Commercialization, and the Future of the OL Reign
Navigating the complex interplay between promotion and commercialization is a challenge faced by many women’s sports teams. While commercialization can lead to greater resources, it also risks diluting the authentic connection between fans and players. Finding a balance that allows for growth and recognition without sacrificing the essence of the team’s culture is crucial.
The OL Reign can draw inspiration from other successful women’s teams, such as Angel City FC, which has built a vibrant and passionate fanbase through authentic promotion that celebrates the players and the game itself. By re-centering the focus on the players and their stories, the Reign can recapture the magic and intimacy that defined their early years.
The OL Reign holds immense value as a team that represents female, gender-nonconforming, and queer individuals while fostering a sense of community. The team’s journey from humble beginnings to a more prominent platform is a testament to the power of persistence and advocacy. By prioritizing the team and its culture over brand image, the Reign can rekindle the passion and connection that once made it so special, ensuring a future where women’s soccer continues to thrive.
