"It's a home away from home:" Reign FC thrilled with opportunity to play competitive matches in Spokane

Some of the biggest names in the world professional soccer are coming to Spokane, Wash. this spring.

With Lumen Field undergoing renovations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both Sounders FC and Reign FC are playing competitive matches in the Lilac City.

The Reign will be playing three regular season fixtures against reigning NWSL Shield winners Kansas City Current, a revamped Racing Louisville, and NWSL newcomers Denver Summit FC. According to club leadership, the decision to play in at ONE Spokane Stadium was an obvious choice, due to the quality of the environment and the city’s undeniable energy for the game.

“It’s a soccer-specific stadium built for Division 1 professional soccer,” said Reign FC President Maya Mendoza-Exstrom. “We’re starting from something that was purpose built. So, from an amenities perspective, from an operational structure perspective, it gave us the best possible chance to lean on local expertise to execute to the standard that we know our professional athletes deserve.”

The club is hopeful that by playing three matches in Spokane, the team can become enmeshed in the community, establishing a home away from home on the east side of the state.

“Spokane has a major soccer community from youth to college to pro and provides a wonderful venue and community to introduce the Reign and the NWSL to,” added Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore. “We'll have a great opportunity over the three-game stretch to build connections and relationships with a whole new set of fans. It gives those fans more than one chance to check us out against a variety of top opponents.”

This year marks a momentous occasion for the soccer community across Washington State. The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup coming to Seattle – both Renton and Spokane will serve as headquarters for participating teams – and the U.S. Women’s National Team will face Japan at Lumen Field on April 14.

“When we bid on the World Cup, one of the selling features was the fact that this state has a long history of soccer, growing both the men’s and women’s games,” noted Mendoza-Exstrom. “It’s the entirety of the state.”

The decision for both Reign FC and Sounders FC play competitive matches in Spokane is an acknowledgement of the rich history of the beautiful game across the Evergreen State. Moreover, it’s a celebration of that culture, and a commitment to strengthening the bonds between east and west.

“I grew up here playing against some epic Eastern Washington teams,” Mendoza-Exstrom continued. “I played against Hope Solo and her team had a number of youth national team players in it – as did all the other age groups around mine. It’s not often told, but Eastern Washington is a huge part of the Washington State soccer story.”

The best players in the world of women’s soccer – both on Seattle’s squad and those lining up for the opposition – are making their way to the Lilac City. The Reign are confident they can tap into unbridled passion for soccer east of the Cascades to turn ONE Spokane Stadium into a fortress.

Asked what success would look like in Spokane, Mendoza-Exstrom added: “Nine points. It’s that simple. It’s a home away from home. It’s a packed house that’s hard for opponents to adjust to because it’s our homebase. We know Spokane can show out. I can’t wait for Emma Sears, Temwa Chawinga, Ally Sentnor and Croix Bethune to be like ‘that was awful, I never want to go back there.’ That’s the kind of experience I know Spokane can deliver.”

Tickets for all three matches in Spokane are available now and can be purchased HERE.