On the heels of the release of their latest away kit, Ballard FC is back with their latest artist collaboration. The Victor Meléndez kit is the latest in a series of third kits for the club, each featuring the design work of local artists.
Originally from Mexico City, Victor Meléndez is a graphic designer and art director living and working in Seattle. He has previously worked with the Seattle Sounders, Kraken, and the FIFA World Cup, in addition to installations and murals across the city.
Meléndez’s connection to this project is organic. He has a history with Ballard, a genuine love of the game, and a clear interest in working with local clubs that actually mean something to their communities. That comes through in the design. His Mexican heritage is central to his work, and here he blends it with Pacific Northwest influences to create something that feels both personal and rooted in place. The result is a kit that carries the visual language of Día de los Muertos, with a skull reminiscent of ofrendas alongside traditional Latin American symbols, all presented in a style that feels distinctly his and distinctly Ballard. Asked about his part in the collaboration, Meléndez said, “I love working with local organizations. And this one in particular, I really wanted to work with because I love football and used to work here in Ballard and am very familiar with the neighborhood.”
Ballard FC GM Sam Zisette told Sounder at Heart, "our artist collaboration series was designed to celebrate, honor, and amplify the incredible local artists in our community. These artists make our community a more vibrant place to live, so by wearing their art on the pitch and in the neighborhood, we aim to bring that beauty and vibrancy to our fans and community.
"We feel so lucky to have worked with Henry, Dozfy, Stevie Shao, Sarah Robbins, and now Victor Meléndez, and we are excited for the next five seasons of artist collaborations and beyond."
The kit will be worn by both Salmon Bay FC and Ballard FC in the coming season and features the same holographic badge introduced with last season’s Robbins Kit, which features both team crests from different viewing angles.
This year’s design takes the magic a little further. The kit features an anaglyph effect, creating a color shift that snaps into focus with 3-D glasses. It’s not just a gimmick either. The design reveals different layers depending on whether you’re looking through a red or blue lens, giving the kit a kind of dual identity, fitting of the connection and shared values of the men’s and women’s sides. Every kit comes with a custom pair of 3D glasses, featuring Meléndez’s artwork on the frames, tying the whole concept back to the artist himself.
Ballard FC and Salmon Bay both have an established track record in their kit designs and branding. Since the club’s inception in 2021, its merchandise has earned praise and proven to be wildly popular among fans. The Meléndez kit will almost certainly prove to be another successful release.
Both teams will debut the new kits on June 24th as part of an Artist Night doubleheader. Ballard FC plays West Seattle Junction FC at 4 p.m., and Salmon Bay FC will face Tacoma Galaxy at 7:30 p.m. The artist will be on hand to meet fans and will be featured in a halftime celebration.
Fans can purchase the kit online. The clubs are hosting an event with the artist on Saturday, April 25th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Team Store in Ballard, where fans can get the kit and meet the artist. The Team Store is at 2206 NW Market Street in Ballard.
Ballard FC kicks off the season at Interbay Stadium on Friday, May 15th at 7:30.
Salmon Bay FC begins its sophomore campaign on the same day, but on the road at FC Olympia at 5:30 p.m. They return to Interbay on Friday, May 22nd at 7:00 p.m. to face Bigfoot FC.
The jerseys can be purchased on Ballard FC's website.
