Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC will host a doubleheader at Interbay Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, with both clubs celebrating local illustrator and designer Victor Meléndez through their annual artist collaboration match.
According to the clubs, Ballard FC has honored a local artist each season since its inaugural 2022 campaign by wearing a special collaboration jersey during a designated match. This year’s featured artist is Victor Meléndez, a Seattle-based illustrator, graphic designer and art director.
Meléndez drew inspiration from his Mexican heritage and the Pacific Northwest in creating this season’s collaborative jersey. The design includes imagery that changes when viewed through custom 3D glasses, and the clubs say the collaboration continues their annual tradition of partnering with local artists whose work helps shape the community.
Ballard FC will face West Seattle Junction FC at 4 p.m., followed by Salmon Bay FC taking on Tacoma Galaxy at 7:30 p.m.
Ballard FC enters Wednesday after a 2-1 comeback victory over West Seattle Junction FC on June 21. The clubs say West Seattle will be looking for its first result against Ballard FC after an 0-3-1 record in the series.
The evening match carries playoff implications for Salmon Bay FC, which the club says needs a win to remain in control of its playoff hopes.
Tacoma Galaxy, now in its second USL W League season, enters the match with a 1-7-2 record. Earlier this season, Salmon Bay FC defeated Tacoma 3-0. The clubs also met late last season, when they played to a 1-1 draw.
The June 24 doubleheader follows another shared match day earlier this month, when Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC hosted Portland clubs during a Music Night event at Interbay Stadium. That doubleheader featured Cascadia matchups, live music, and the first phase of the stadium’s expansion.
Fans attending both matches will need to leave the stadium between games before gates reopen for the second match at 6:30 p.m.
The clubs are also collecting donations for the Ballard Food Bank during the doubleheader. Ballard FC is accepting donations of pasta and canned sauce, while Salmon Bay FC is collecting travel-size hygiene products.
Both matches will feature food vendors, concessions, and the Bridges United Foundation Beer Garden. Parking around Interbay Stadium is expected to be limited, and the clubs recommend using public transit, biking, or other transportation options. Both matches will also be streamed live for fans unable to attend.
Photo: Ballard FC