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Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Fort Wayne, IN
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Fort Wayne, IN is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Fort Wayne. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
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Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Historic Old Fort in Fort Wayne, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Fort Wayne.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Fort Wayne, IN
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Cedar Creek of Fort Wayne in Fort Wayne for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Fort Wayne, IN, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Fort Wayne?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Fox Island County Park in Fort Wayne. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Fort Wayne, IN, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to John H Bass Mansion in Fort Wayne, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Fort Wayne restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Fort Wayne, IN, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Fort Wayne, IN
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Fort Wayne, IN, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a BakerStreet Steakhouse in Fort Wayne. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Fort Wayne rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Fort Wayne, IN
Nov. 4 - Local entrepreneur announces new soccer stadium for Fort Wayne FC in 2026
From staff reportshttps://www.fwbusiness.com/news/article_7a06964e-9aeb-11ef-b1a0-1bf7209b428f.html
FORT WAYNE — Local business owner Mark Music formally announced that he is building a 7,500-plus-seat soccer-specific stadium, which will be the home of Fort Wayne FC, beginning in 2026. The stadium will be located on the south side of Bass Road, adjacent to and west of Interstate 69. Music retained the architectural services of Fort Wayne-local firm Design Collaborative, who released the initial renderings, and will also be collaborating with developer BND Commercial.Music said in the announcement, “While this will be an ...
FORT WAYNE — Local business owner Mark Music formally announced that he is building a 7,500-plus-seat soccer-specific stadium, which will be the home of Fort Wayne FC, beginning in 2026. The stadium will be located on the south side of Bass Road, adjacent to and west of Interstate 69. Music retained the architectural services of Fort Wayne-local firm Design Collaborative, who released the initial renderings, and will also be collaborating with developer BND Commercial.
Music said in the announcement, “While this will be an incredible stadium for soccer fans and event attendees, we want to look beyond the field to the potential of contributing to the growth of sport in northeast Indiana and beyond. Sports is an integral part of today’s society and adds to the quality of place. Soccer will continue to grow especially with the World Cup phenomenon that will come to the United States in 2026.”
Music is also the majority owner of Fort Wayne FC.
The new soccer-centric stadium build will have a matchday capacity of 9,280 (including standing-room only) and more than 10,000 for concerts and other events. It will be the largest outdoor stadium in northeast Indiana.
The club, currently competing in United Soccer League (USL) League 2, is expected to make a major announcement regarding their plans to bring professional soccer to northeast Indiana for the 2026 season. The 2025 season will be played at Bishop D’Arcy Stadium, the end of its 2-year partnership announced in January 2023. Fort Wayne FC was established in 2019, with its inaugural season delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and has played for four seasons in the Valley Division of the Central Conference. They were divisional champs for both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
The new stadium will feature a playing field that will be 7 feet below grade with a wrap-around concourse as well as seat-back style seating in both the lower bowl and upper grandstands — all covered by a continuous canopy roof awning on three sides. There will also be a dedicated space for the club’s supporters’ group. The stadium will include 10 field-level suites that can be used during match days and other events. Additional seating areas will give patrons multiple choices, including premium loge club seats, tabletop terrace views of the action, as well as various drink rail options. The concourse will feature multiple patio concession areas, a beer garden and a special fan zone park.
Music said, “This will be an incredible fan-first stadium, making the fan experience a top priority. There will be many viewing options including premium seating, right down to the pitch level. Because of the steeper rake of the upper grandstand, no seat will be more than 55-foot from the touch line, providing amazing line-of-site views, so everyone will feel like they are part of the action. I’m hopeful that the community will see this soccer park as a true asset for northeast Indiana.”
Other key features will include a 120-foot by 35-foot state-of-the-art LED videoboard, fan shop team store, and four locker rooms. “This stadium is going to be more than just a beautiful structure...it will be a place where long-term soccer fans, as well as newcomers who want to learn more about the world’s most popular sport, come together to celebrate the beautiful game,” Music added. “Fort Wayne was recently ranked as the No. 7 minor-league sports market by the Business Sports Journal — a testament to the Komets and TinCaps, and the city’s amazing fans. We are excited to expand the sports entertainment offerings with what we believe will be a uniquely different experience.”
Naming rights for the stadium and other premium branding assets will soon be made available to potential corporate partners. The stadium will also be available for live concerts, graduations, weddings, festivals, corporate events and other events.
Health equity spotlighted during IU Fort Wayne's speaker series kickoff
Ashley Slobodahttps://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/health-equity-spotlighted-during-iu-fort-waynes-speaker-series-kickoff/article_7718b144-9adf-11ef-8b37-53044d008203.html
Diversity, equity and inclusion strategist Davyd Hall stepped onto the stage of an Indiana University Fort Wayne lecture hall Monday intent to raise awareness through a presentation that kicked off the campus’s new speaker series.Hall encouraged the roughly 30 attendees to not just listen to his message – which addressed health equity – but to also participate in the discussion.“Community growth depends on including every individual voice,” said Hall, principal consultant of IDEAL Consulting Group ...
Diversity, equity and inclusion strategist Davyd Hall stepped onto the stage of an Indiana University Fort Wayne lecture hall Monday intent to raise awareness through a presentation that kicked off the campus’s new speaker series.
Hall encouraged the roughly 30 attendees to not just listen to his message – which addressed health equity – but to also participate in the discussion.
“Community growth depends on including every individual voice,” said Hall, principal consultant of IDEAL Consulting Group in Indianapolis. IDEAL stands for inclusion, diversity, equity, access and leadership.
“The goal is not to agree,” he added, “but gain deeper awareness.”
IU Fort Wayne hosted the hourlong event in partnership with United Front, a citywide cultural awareness initiative.
The university, which focuses on health professions, expects to hold the speaker series, “Building a Culture of Belonging,” at least once a semester. Deborah Garrison, inaugural vice chancellor and dean, said sessions will highlight ways students, faculty and staff can make a difference in the community.
“We have our health professions that are really looking to enhance access to health care and reduce these health disparities so we can impact the health and well-being of this community, the region and beyond,” Garrison said. “We see it as really among the most important work that we could be doing.”
Hall spent several minutes defining various terms, including equity. He emphasized that isn’t the same as equality. Equity is creating fairness by providing individuals with the proper resources, treatment and support to meet their unique needs.
“For health equity, we’re always talking about community building,” Hall said. “We’re always talking about trying to figure out people’s identity so that we can make the most impact for that community specifically instead of taking that equality standpoint, just providing everything the same way for everybody.”
Garrison agreed that understanding the various aspects of individuals’ lives is vital.
“It’s really about how do we weave together a framework of care that takes into consideration all the aspects of that person’s life,” she said. “Where are they living? How are they obtaining food? What kind of access do they have to health care, primary care or emergency care? There’s just so much to take into consideration, and when we do all of that, we really lift a person up.”
Garrison described the event’s turnout of about 30 people – students, faculty and staff – as a great place to start. The lecture hall could accommodate 350.
“I look forward to the day when this will be full of people because we’ve made such inroads that nobody wants to miss it,” she said.
Arlington Elementary School first graders didn’t question why Mark Markle wanted them to run across the gym on a recent Friday and place craft sticks in the wall pad’s seams.
The students completed the activity without question and ran across the gym again to fetch the items upon Markle’s request.
“These are just our warm-ups,” the Fort Wayne Community Schools educator said after more exercises involving the wooden sticks.
Markle’s work in physical education will be recognized Thursday during a ceremony in Indianapolis. The Indiana Society of Health and Physical Educators, or INSHAPE, will celebrate him as the 2024 Indiana Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year – an honor that recognizes excellence in teaching physical activity to students with disabilities.
“I modify things so all kids can be out here,” Markle said before leading Arlington students through activities.
He described the statewide recognition as a double honor considering he previously received the award in 2015. He is in his 32nd year of teaching.
Cassie Brooks, INSHAPE president, said in a letter about Markle’s win that research has shown quality physical education contributes to higher academic scores; improved behavior and attendance; and greater social, mental and emotional health.
“Mark’s accomplishments on behalf of Indiana students are impressive,” Brooks said, “and his work inspires colleagues to work toward excellence.”
Markle’s role takes him to various FWCS schools – an element he said he enjoys.
“I really like the fact that I’m sharing my stuff with the young teachers,” he said, referring to the activities he prepares. “Maybe when I’m gone, some of me will still be out there.”
Arlington physical education teacher Jonathan McCoy said Markle often asks what he needs and what his classes are working on.
“That helps a lot,” said McCoy, who has been teaching for 12 years. “It gives me one less thing I have to think about.”
Two other northeast Indiana educators also earned statewide distinction this year, according to the INSHAPE website.
Donna Hazelett of Southwest Allen County Schools received the Pathfinder Award for advocating, recruiting and enhancing opportunities for girls and women in sport and sport leadership.
Maria Rarey of DeKalb High School received the Leadership Award for demonstrating significant leadership with prestige, honor and dignity.
Brooks indicated Markle will be encouraged to apply for the SHAPE America Midwest Teacher of the Year consideration within the next three years. If he wins that, he will become eligible for National Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year.
Teams from Carroll and Bishop Dwenger high schools were among those that advanced to the Indiana Cheer Championship finals, which is sponsored by the Indiana Association of School Principals. The competition is set for Saturday at New Castle High School in New Castle. Visit www.iasp.org/students/cheer for the performance schedule.
Brightmark LLC and Country Meadow Elementary School have launched a Halloween recycling program allowing students and their families to recycle plastic waste generated by the holiday. Brightmark will recycle plastic waste generated from the program at its Ashley Circularity Center, where it will be converted into new products. Schools interested in starting a similar program should contact RecyclingPrograms@brightmark.com.
Sonic Drive-In’s Sonic Foundation provided $1.25 million to match donations to classroom projects requesting books through DonorsChoose, a website that allows people to donate directly to classroom requests submitted by teachers nationwide. Rachael Moore of Adams Elementary School in Fort Wayne received a $251 donation for her project, Audio Books for Beginning Readers.
• The University of Saint Francis will welcome Timothy O’Malley to speak on campus in the Chesterton Academy of St. Scholastica’s Cultura Vitae Lecture Series. O’Malley’s lecture, “Contemplative Education and the Dignity of the Human Person,” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Achatz Hall of Science and John and Toni Murray Research Center, 2701 Spring St. Light refreshments will be available at 7 p.m. Reservations are requested but not required; visit chestertonfw.org. O’Malley is the director of education at the McGrath Institute for Church Life and academic director of the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy. He researches and teaches at the University of Notre Dame and is the author of nine books.
• Bishop Luers High School will host its annual open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday for prospective students and families. All grades are welcome. Entrance is through the gym doors – Nos. 7 and 8. There is no formal presentation, so arrive anytime.
• Holocaust survivor Irene Miller is scheduled to speak at Huntington University at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Zurcher Auditorium of the Merillat Centre for the Arts on the Huntington campus. The event is free. Tickets can be reserved at huntington.edu/BoxOffice.
• Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne will hold Go Ivy Day for area high school students from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 15 at the Student Life Center, 3701 Dean Drive. Attendees can explore degree and certificate programs, meet faculty, tour campus and learn about scholarships and financial aid, among other activities. Sign up at link.ivytech.edu/goivyrsvp. Pre-registration is required to get a free lunch.
Fort Wayne FC to open new stadium in 2026, with elevation to pro ranks expected soon
Josh Patterson | For The Journal Gazettehttps://www.journalgazette.net/sports/professional/fort-wayne-fc-to-open-new-stadium-in-2026-with-elevation-to-pro-ranks-expected/article_d8a00562-9aed-11ef-8b6f-f7183bf22af0.html
Fort Wayne FC majority owner Mark Music announced Monday he is building a soccer-specific stadium that will open in 2026. The stadium, which will have a game-day capacity of 9,280, will be located on the south side of Bass Road, adjacent to I-69.It’s the latest move for Fort Wayne FC in its quest to move to the professional ranks in 2026.“While this will be an incredible stadium for soccer fans and event attendees, we want to look beyond the field to the potential of contributing to the growth of sport in northeast ...
Fort Wayne FC majority owner Mark Music announced Monday he is building a soccer-specific stadium that will open in 2026. The stadium, which will have a game-day capacity of 9,280, will be located on the south side of Bass Road, adjacent to I-69.
It’s the latest move for Fort Wayne FC in its quest to move to the professional ranks in 2026.
“While this will be an incredible stadium for soccer fans and event attendees, we want to look beyond the field to the potential of contributing to the growth of sport in northeast Indiana and beyond,” Music, the president and CEO of Ruoff Mortgage, said in news release.
“Sports is an integral part of today’s society and adds to the quality of place. Soccer will continue to grow especially with the World Cup phenomenon that will come to the United States in 2026.”
The new stadium will be the largest outdoor venue in northeast Indiana upon completion, with a capacity of over 10,000 for concerts and other events.
Fort Wayne FC declined to comment on the cost of the stadium or when construction will start, though it affirmed the stadium will be ready for the start of the 2026 season.
“There will be no public funds,” said Scott Sproat, Fort Wayne FC’s chief operations officer. “It’s 100% privately financed.”
Currently a pre-professional team competing in USL League Two, with a roster composed of mainly college and high school players, Fort Wayne FC has alluded multiple times to plans to move to the professional level. It currently competes in the fourth tier of the US soccer pyramid.
“The Club … is expected to make a major announcement regarding their plans to bring professional soccer to northeast Indiana for the 2026 season,” Monday’s news release said.
Last month, Fort Wayne FC hired Sproat, a well-known figure in the northeast Indiana professional sports landscape, to oversee the club’s business operations, including sales, marketing, ticketing, partnerships, promotions and game day operations. Sproat had spent the previous 24 years with the Komets hockey team, most recently as president of business operations, and took on a minority ownership stake with Fort Wayne FC while maintaining partial ownership of the Komets.
Sproat said Monday an announcement on Fort Wayne FC’s move to professional soccer could still come this month.
On the social media platform X, the USL League One account retweeted Fort Wayne FC’s stadium announcement with a pair of eyeball emojis Monday, but Sproat declined to confirm if that would be Fort Wayne FC’s destination.
“The USL is a tremendous, burgeoning league, and we certainly hope to continue the relationship with the USL in many different ways,” Sproat said.
Founded in 2019, Fort Wayne FC began play in 2021 at Bishop Dwenger’s Shields Field. It moved to Bishop D’Arcy Stadium, on the campus of the University of Saint Francis, in 2023 and will continue playing there in 2025. Music donated a high-definition videoboard to Saint Francis when Fort Wayne FC began playing there.
Plans for the new stadium include seating lower than the field in the first row; seatback-style seating in the lower bowl and upper grandstands; a wraparound concourse; a canopy roof that will cover seats with awnings on three sides of the stadium; and 10 field-level suites.
The stadium will also include a team store, four locker rooms and a 120-foot-by-35-foot LED videoboard. The two-sided videoboard will overlook a standing-room section with a beer garden on the southwest of the field.
The videoboard will be more than twice as wide as the HD videoboard at Parkview Field, home of the TinCaps baseball team.
“This will be an incredible fan-first stadium, making the fan experience a top priority,” Music said. “There will be many viewing options including premium seating, right down to the pitch level. Because of the steeper rake of the upper grandstand, no seat will be more than 55 feet from the touch line, providing amazing line-of-sight views, so everyone will feel like they are part of the action.”
Ruoff Mortgage previously planned to build its headquarters on the stadium site. In May, the Allen County commissioners approved a petition to rezone the site from business, technology and industrial park to general commercial.
For the stadium, Music retained the architectural services of Fort Wayne’s Design Collaborative, who released the initial renderings, and will also be working with developer BND Commercial, which previously constructed the SportONE/Parkview Fieldhouse and SportONE/Parkview Icehouse.
While Fort Wayne FC will serve as the stadium’s primary tenant, the facility will have the capability of hosting other outdoor sports. Sproat mentioned high school and college soccer, rugby and lacrosse as other sports that could be played at the stadium. It also hopes to be a venue for corporate events, weddings and graduations.
Corporate naming rights will be available for purchase.
“It’s a soccer-specific stadium, no question. From a viewpoint and an amenity and a sightline standpoint, it’s phenomenal for soccer,” Sproat said. “We will be the home to Fort Wayne FC first and foremost. However, it will be a community asset in the truest sense of the word. We are open to looking at almost any type of event that doesn’t damage or compromise the field.
“You are going to have that feeling of literally being on the pitch in the game. We are going to take the beautiful game in a beautiful city to a beautiful place.”
Plans unveiled for Fort Wayne soccer stadium
Alex Brownhttps://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/plans-unveiled-for-fort-wayne-soccer-stadium
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The idea of a new soccer stadium in Fort Wayne has been in the works for several months. But now, a local businessman has made plans for such a project official.Mark Music, owner and CEO of Ruoff Mortgage and majority owner of Fort Wayne Football Club, announced plans Monday for a 7,500-seat stadium that would be the club’s new home beginning in 2026.Our partners at WPTA-TV reported the project, to be built near I-69 and Bass Road on the city’s west side, will be a privately funde...
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The idea of a new soccer stadium in Fort Wayne has been in the works for several months. But now, a local businessman has made plans for such a project official.
Mark Music, owner and CEO of Ruoff Mortgage and majority owner of Fort Wayne Football Club, announced plans Monday for a 7,500-seat stadium that would be the club’s new home beginning in 2026.
Our partners at WPTA-TV reported the project, to be built near I-69 and Bass Road on the city’s west side, will be a privately funded venture led by Music. A specific dollar figure for the investment was not provided.
“While this will be an incredible stadium for soccer fans and event attendees, we want to look beyond the field to the potential of contributing to the growth of sport in northeast Indiana and beyond,” Music said in a news release. “Sports is an integral part of today’s society and adds to the quality of place. Soccer will continue to grow especially with the World Cup phenomenon that will come to the United States in 2026.”
While the stadium will have the seating capacity for 7,500 fans, its design will accommodate a total of nearly 9,300 with standing room only spots for soccer matches and more than 10,000 for concerts and other events, the club said.
Fort Wayne-based Design Collaborative was tapped as the architect for the project.
The design features a wrap-around concourse with seat-back style seating in the lower bowl and upper grandstands, all covered by a continuous canopy roof awning on three sides. The team said there will also be dedicated space for the club’s supporters, as well as 10 field-level suites and additional seating areas.
Music said the design was made with the fan experience as a top priority.
“This stadium is going to be more than just a beautiful structure; it will be a place where long term soccer fans, as well as newcomers who want to learn more about the world’s most popular sport, come together to celebrate the beautiful game,” he said.
A rezoning petition for 32 acres at the site was filed back in March. The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette previously reported the site had been set for the new headquarters of Fort Wayne-based Ruoff Mortgage, which in 2022 decided to move into the former Swiss Re building instead.
While a specific timeline for construction was not provided, the club said its 2025 season will be played at the University of Saint Francis Bishop D’Arcy Stadium with the goal of starting the 2026 season at the new stadium.
Fort Wayne Football Club currently competes in the United Soccer League (USL) League 2, and the team expects to make what it says is a major announcement regarding plans to bring professional soccer to northeast Indiana for the 2026 season.
Additionally, the club said naming rights for the stadium and other branding assets will be made available soon for potential corporate partners.
Swept by Fort Wayne Komets, Kansas City Mavericks are off to Rapid City this week
Ben DeLaForesthttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nhl/article295000664.html
The Kansas City Mavericks played host to the Fort Wayne Komets in an intense two-game series this past weekend at Cable Dahmer Arena, losing both games but earning one point in the league standings in the process.Despite falling short both Friday and Saturday, the Mavericks showed tenacity, especially in a tightly contested shootout loss.The team now sits in second place in the ECHL Mountain Division standings ahead of a crucial road series against the Rapid City Rush in Rapid City, South Dakota (more on that below).Show...
The Kansas City Mavericks played host to the Fort Wayne Komets in an intense two-game series this past weekend at Cable Dahmer Arena, losing both games but earning one point in the league standings in the process.
Despite falling short both Friday and Saturday, the Mavericks showed tenacity, especially in a tightly contested shootout loss.
The team now sits in second place in the ECHL Mountain Division standings ahead of a crucial road series against the Rapid City Rush in Rapid City, South Dakota (more on that below).
Showcasing the Mavericks’ strong first month of the season, forward Max Andreev was named ECHL Plus Player of the Month for October with an impressive +9 plus/minus rating.
Fort Wayne set the pace early in Friday’s game.
Brannon McManus opened the scoring for the Komets at 6:50 in the first period. That was followed by a goal from Justin Taylor early in the second to put KC in a 2-0 hole.
The Mavericks fought back, though, with Cade Borchardt scoring his fifth goal of the season off assists from Marcus Crawford and Max Andreev at 13:17 in the second. That made it 2-1.
Fort Wayne responded soon after, with Taylor netting his second of the night. The Komets led 3-1 going into the final frame.
Fort Wayne’s Connor Corcoran sealed the victory with a third-period goal despite a solid effort from Mavericks goaltender Victor Ostman, who faced 39 shots and made 35 saves.
Saturday night’s rematch brought intense back-and-forth action and saw the Mavericks play a resilient game that culminated in a nail-biting shootout.
Damien Giroux struck first for Kansas City late in the first period, assisted by Charlie Wright and Nate Knoepke. Fort Wayne’s Anthony Petruzzelli responded just two minutes later, tying the game 1-1 before the first intermission.
Petruzzelli scored again in the second period to put the Komets up 2-1, but KC continued to press. Max Andreev scored just over a minute into the third period, with Landon McCallum assisting. That made it 2-2.
Fort Wayne regained the lead on an Ethan Keppen goal midway through the third, only for David Noel to tie it up in dramatic fashion with just 22 seconds left in regulation. Pascal Laberge and McCallum assisted on Noel’s goal.
The Mavericks looked good in a scoreless overtime but fell short in the shootout, losing the game 4-3. Jack LaFontaine finished the contest with 29 saves.
The Mavericks look to build on their strong start as they hit the road to face the Rapid City Rush in a three-game series at Rapid City, S.D.
Games are set for Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
This story was originally published November 4, 2024, 10:12 AM.
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