Oly Town to Play Last Home Match at Evergreen College Pavilion

By Merrick Parnell

This weekend will end an era for one Western Indoor Soccer League (WISL) club. 

The Oly Town FC Artisians will be playing their last home game at the pavilion at Evergreen State College as they take on South Sound FC on Saturday. Oly Town has been playing matches at the pavilion since 2015, one year after their inaugural season in 2014.

Several factors have influenced the decision to end home matches at the Evergreen State College Campus pavilion. According to club officials, Evergreen State College has decided to discontinue public access to the space and re-purpose the facility for student-athlete access only.  

Oly Town in the Everegreen State College Pavilion. (Photo: Oly Town FC)

"It's a shame because our indoor soccer organization brings thousands to the Evergreen Campus that normally wouldn't go there, so we're a little surprised by the decision but understand that it's not our ground and it was only leased," said Ryan Perkins, the Principal Owner of Oly Town

Playing at the unique indoor soccer venue with its roof but open-air sides was selected out of necessity by the club as their venue in Tumwater was sold and the indoor field removed. The roofed pavilion provided some reprieve from the rain, but all in attendance were exposed to the cold and other elements due to the open-air sides. "It's cold! From fans, refs, players to staff, everyone is in full winter gear to be at the matches," Perkins said. He also added the organization has been looking for warmer accommodations for the past three years, but due to the large population of distribution companies in  Thurston County meant that no other large spaces were available. 

John Crouch, WISL Commissioner, issued this statement about the situation with Oly Town and the Pavillion. 

"The Olympia community and Artesian ownership over the years has made that Evergreen State College campus pavilion come to life. We are sad to see this era end for the club, but we hope for a new venue and to see Olytown continue to bring the strong soccer community to our league. The Oly Town club is at the top of its game on so many levels; nice job, Artesians and Ryan Perkins."

Oly Town's last match at the Pavillion will kick off at 6 pm on Saturday. Oly Town currently sits fourth in the WISL standings with a 5-2 record. For tickets and more info, visit their website, olytownfc.com.