ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced today that Chief Operating Officer Ryan Helfrick has been promoted to club president ahead of the upcoming USL Championship season.
“Today is an excellent day for our organization,” said Rowdies Vice Chairman Brian Auld. “Ryan is a talented leader who has demonstrated the ability to take the Rowdies to the next level. He has steered us through challenges, and earned the respect and support of our front office, players and technical staff. I know our partners and fans will join me in congratulating him on this well-deserved promotion.”
Apart from one year spent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sales office, Helfrick has been a member of the Rowdies front office for every season since the club kicked off its modern era in 2010. During his tenure, Helfrick has worked as director of ticket sales and service, as well as director of sales and corporate sponsorships. In January 2022, he was elevated to vice president of the Rowdies before being named chief operating officer a year later.
“I am humbled by the faith that the leadership team has shown in me with this appointment,” said Helfrick. “I’m honored to help grow this sport here in the states with one of the most iconic names in American soccer.”
In addition to Helfrick’s promotion, the Rowdies announced the hiring of the new Director, Sales and Marketing, Jeff Berryhill. Berryhill is a seasoned addition to the front office, having served on the sales teams for the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) and Chicago Fire (MLS). He also served as the director of the MLS National Sales Center for seven years.
The Rowdies are set to kick off their eighth season in the USL Championship at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday, March 16 against San Antonio FC. Fans can secure their tickets for the season opener and every Rowdies home match this year by purchasing a season ticket membership today. Season ticket members receive the best savings on tickets, plus exclusive discounts on merchandise and concessions. Visit rowdiessoccer.com/seasontickets/ for more info.
About the Rowdies: The Tampa Bay Rowdies are Tampa Bay’s men’s professional soccer team, competing in the USL Championship since 2017. Founded in 1974, the Rowdies regularly played to capacity crowds at Tampa Stadium in the 70s and 80s. After a hiatus starting in 1993, the Rowdies were reborn to take the field again in 2010. The team has claimed two league titles in its history, one in the inaugural 1975 season and another in 2012. The Rowdies have also won two USL Championship Eastern Conference titles.