Fort Wayne FC Reveals New Home Kits as Fans Await First Match at Ruoff Mortgage Stadium

There was a sense, more than anything, that this night had been circled on the calendar for a long time.

Inside the Parkview Mirro Center, nearly 400 supporters, media members, and local players gathered to finally get a first look at what Fort Wayne FC will wear when they step onto their home pitch—still weeks away from hosting a match.

Four games into the season, all on the road, the anticipation has only grown. And with the club’s first home match at Ruoff Mortgage Stadium set for May 2, this kit reveal felt less like a formality and more like a release of pent-up energy.

The event itself struck a balance between polished and personal. Season ticket holders mingled with players over appetizers and drinks, while local media captured the moment. A pair of youth teams from Fort Wayne Sport Club were also in attendance, a reminder of the club’s growing footprint in the local soccer ecosystem—helped along by shared support from Parkview Sports Medicine.

When the program began, head coach Mike Avery addressed the crowd, setting the tone before handing the spotlight to his players, each introducing themselves to a fanbase that’s still getting to know this group.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for.

Taig Healy—fresh off being named USL League One Goal of the Week—and Daniel Oyetunde stepped forward in full kit, offering the first complete look at the club’s home identity. Behind them, teammates sported the jerseys, giving the crowd a closer, more tangible connection to what they’ll soon see under the lights.

Once the formalities wrapped, the night shifted into something even more meaningful. Players filtered into the crowd, signing autographs, posing for photos, and spending time with the next generation of Fort Wayne soccer players—many of whom watched wide-eyed, soaking it all in.

For the Fort Wayne Footy crew, the evening also offered a chance to reconnect. Familiar faces from past interviews stopped by, and four players were recognized for their early-season performances. Javier Armas (Match 1), Lilian Ricol(Match 2), Jack Thomas (Match 3), and Healy (Match 4) were each presented with Man of the Match tokens—a small but meaningful nod to a strong start away from home.

There’s still a bit more waiting to do.

Fort Wayne FC is idle this weekend before turning its attention to cup competition, traveling to face Louisville City FC at Lynn Stadium in the opening round of the Prinx Tires USL Cup. The venue offers an interesting preview of what’s to come—Lynn Stadium served as the design model for Fort Wayne’s own soon-to-open home.

But for one night, the focus wasn’t on what’s ahead.

It was on finally seeing it—colors, crest, and community—come together in a way that made the wait feel worth it.

Jack Thomas signs a ball for young fans. (Photo credit: Jason Hemsoth)