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Stadium groundbreaking moves Rhode Island toward 2024 debut in USL Championship

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The arrival of a USL Championship club in Pawtucket, Rhode Island moved another step closer on Friday morning when investors, elected officials, executives and dignitaries celebrated a major milestone for the club and community.  

Brett M. Johnson, founder of Fortuitous Partners, along with supporting owner and former United States Men’s National Team Player Michael Parkhurst, joined Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee and USL COO and Chief Real Estate Officer Justin Papadakis for the official groundbreaking on the riverfront soccer-specific venue that will become the club’s home.   

Part of a larger Tidewater Landing project that includes new housing, retail and a footbridge, the stadium will spearhead revitalization of land flanking the Seekonk River in Pawtucket.  

Tidewater Landing becomes one of five current stadium projects that are under construction in the USL Championship and USL League One, including one for a future USL Championship club in Des Moines, Iowa. There are another 11 stadium projects approved or in development across USL Championship and League One, following clubs such as Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Louisville City FC, Monterey Bay F.C., and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, whose new homes have opened in recent years. 

With the official groundbreaking complete, Johnson and his group’s vision is to build a venue and club that will represent the state on the national stage. 

“This will be Rhode Island’s team,” said Johnson. “Our vision is to be one of the most respected soccer clubs in North America, and this stadium will be a flagship venue for sports and entertainment in Rhode Island. We will build a successful soccer club that is respected across every level of the game. We will compete for championships, we will run a successful business, we will be socially and environmentally responsible, and we will contribute to this community for decades to come.” 

The groundbreaking came after the completion of a financing agreement between the club’s ownership group and both state and local authorities that will secure funding for the venue. Under the agreement, taxpayer protections have been implemented that will see any cost escalations be covered by the USL Rhode Island group, with a 30-year commitment in place to compete in the USL Championship. 

Johnson said the venue is scheduled to be completed in the Spring of 2024, with the club aiming to begin play the same year. An official announcement on the club’s name, official colors and crest is expected in the coming months. 

“The project will create thousands of jobs and economic activity and it will spur more business and growth in Pawtucket and Rhode Island,” said Johnson. “To this end, Mayor Grebien and Governor McKee in particular deserve credit for their vision and commitment to recognize that Pawtucket needs this. That Rhode Island deserves this. Prime riverfront land … is being cleaned up and transformed into an incomparable asset for everyone to enjoy.” 

The investment into the city through the project is one that Governor McKee and Mayor Grebien both believe will have a major impact on the economy of the city, and the broader economy of the state. Rhode Island is set to join a strong contingent of clubs in the Northeast of the country that are current members of the USL Championship, such as Hartford Athletic and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.  

“This is a project that’s going to create a new destination in The Ocean State,” said Governor McKee. “We will become the bucket-list state, people will put Rhode Island and The Ocean State on their list, to visit, to invest here, to spend their dollars here to create an economy that will go throughout the whole state.” 

Indy Eleven secures downtown location for Eleven Park development

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INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven has found its site for Eleven Park, the planned permanent home for the club, with a 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium targeted to open ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season.

The club announced on Friday, in collaboration with Keystone Group the acquisition of more than 20 acres of land in downtown Indianapolis that will serve as the future home of Eleven Park, a project set to transform the skyline and city of Indianapolis. Alongside the soccer-specific stadium, which will serve as the anchor for the new development, Eleven Park will also include hotel, office, apartments, retail and public spaces.

Eleven Park will be constructed on the plot of land previously owned by The Diamond Chain Company, bordered by West Street, Kentucky Avenue, and the White River – an area that was recently acquired and is now 100 percent owned by Keystone Group.

“We have been working diligently for the last several years to secure a large area of land downtown for Eleven Park, and with our prime location now secured we are eager to take the next steps for this groundbreaking development,” said Indy Eleven Founder and Chairman Ersal Ozdemir, also the Founder and Chairman of Keystone Group. “This village will be a 365-day-a-year live, work, and play community that will transform this section of Indianapolis, providing jobs and significant economic development to downtown Indianapolis and surrounding areas.”

Keystone Group is a construction, development, management, and investments company headquartered in downtown Indianapolis that specializes and invests in complicated transformational mixed-use developments located in premier locations. The Eleven Park stadium will host Indy Eleven games for both its men’s and women’s senior teams. The facility will also be designed to host field sports (soccer, lacrosse, football, rugby, and field hockey) events for partners such as the NCAA and IHSAA; international matches; concerts; and various community events.

“This announcement is the culmination of years of hard work and partnership between countless individuals and entities who believed in our vision, and we are beyond excited to share the results of that effort today with our community,” said Indy Eleven President & CEO Greg Stremlaw. “While there is still more work to do, today the Indy Eleven family is thrilled to put a pin in the map and celebrate what Eleven Park will provide the country’s premier city for sports and all Hoosiers who will experience and benefit from this world-class destination.”

Keystone and Indy Eleven continue ongoing discussions with the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana to finalize project terms this year, which would allow for tear down of existing buildings and additional site work to begin in Spring 2023. After approximately two years of construction, Indy Eleven expects to begin play at its new Eleven Park stadium home in Spring 2025.

Due to a myriad of factors, including the rise in construction costs, inflation, and an increase in the scale and scope of the project, Eleven Park is expected to exceed a $1 billion investment in the largest piece of property in an under-developed area of downtown Indianapolis. All facets outside the stadium project – retail, restaurants, hotel, apartments, and office space – will be developed by Keystone Group. As per the State legislation that was passed and signed into law in 2019 , the City of Indianapolis Capital Improvement Board (CIB) would own the Eleven Park stadium, while Indy Eleven would lease and operate the venue.

“We believe this site is the best place to invest knowing it will have a transformational impact to the southside of Indianapolis, serving as a new neighborhood village within the Stadium Village Neighborhood that bridges the central business district, Victory Field, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indiana Convention Center, the White River, and the Elanco campus,” said Ozdemir. “This location, along with the new Henry Street bridge and extension of the Cultural Trail, will serve as an important gateway to the city and bring connectivity and a pedestrian connection to the heart of downtown.”

Indy Eleven and Keystone also announced three key additional partners for the Eleven Park project as part of today’s announcement. Populous, the global industry leader in soccer/multipurpose stadium design, will serve as the stadium project’s lead architecture and design firm, partnering with Indianapolis-based Browning Day Architects. In addition, D3i, a Baltimore-based international design firm with award-winning mixed-use projects that span five continents, has been hired as the master planner for the project.

While the initial design process is already underway, Indy Eleven will meet with fans, community members, and other constituents regarding specific design elements to make Eleven Park a special place to create a vibrant village. Indy Eleven expects to share updated renderings of the Eleven Park stadium with the public in the coming months.

Republic FC Unveils New Vision for Downtown Stadium

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC Owner and Chairman Kevin Nagle announced on Friday a new vison for a Railyards Stadium to create a community asset that will help Sacramento accelerate its recovery from the pandemic and provide a new downtown home for sports and entertainment. As part of today’s announcement, the club released a preliminary rendering of the revised stadium concept.

“We want to build a world-class soccer stadium in The Railyards, and to begin the next decade of Republic FC,” said Republic FC Owner and CEO Kevin Nagle. “We’re ready with a new vision that allows us to take our destiny into our own hands, and to create a community asset that will grow with the team and city.”

During 2021, as the club continued to pursue investors for an MLS expansion club, Nagle recognized the region’s need to help jumpstart a recovery from the effects of the pandemic with a new community asset – and began exploring ways to build upon the agreements made for an MLS expansion club and bring a soccer-specific stadium to life in Downtown Sacramento.

The new vision for a world-class facility will:  

  • Build a 12,000-15,000 seat Downtown facility that will serve as a community asset, meeting the needs of the city, league and community on an accelerated timeline,

  • Expand the city’s sports and entertainment calendar with potential events such as, marquee soccer matches with international competitions and global clubs,

  • a diverse array of sporting events – rugby, lacrosse, college sports and more,

  • outdoor concerts, festivals and shows.

  • Be able to transform with the city, team, and league and expand up to 20,000+ seats due to a futureproof plan,

  • Once again spark an era of growth by creating more opportunities to showcase Sacramento and bring people Downtown. 

The club has engaged industry leaders MANICA Architecture and Machete Group, who have designed and managed showcase projects – including Allegiant Stadium, Chase Center, and TQL Stadium – to craft an initial concept that can meet the goals of the club and city.

“I’m grateful to Kevin Nagle for his partnership and his commitment to Sacramento. As a city, we are open to pursuing dual tracks,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “We continue to identify and work with potential Major League Soccer investors, and at the same time we’re ready to work together on an adaptable stadium in the railyards. It’s not one or the other.”

Railyards Stadium will anchor an investment nearing $1 billion dollars that will accelerate development throughout The Railyards – invigorating the 242-acre district which has sat dormant for over 50 years. Beyond the stadium, the team will lead mixed-use, housing and retail development projects – all of which will help double the size of Downtown and create a hub of activity for the region.

“Sacramento is an incredible market for soccer, and we’re excited to see how Republic FC can continue to impact the community with a world-class stadium,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “The USL is in an exciting phase of strategic growth, and visionary development projects like the one Republic FC and the city of Sacramento are undertaking will elevate the game for fans and players in the United States for years to come.”

With a new facility, Republic FC can continue to be a vanguard club in the USL as the organization accelerates its growth in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup being hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The USL is the fastest-growing soccer league property in the world. The USL Championship will expand to 36 clubs by 2026. Eleven USL venues have been constructed since 2013, with plans to develop more than 30 more in the next four years. The USL is also playing a leading role in the growth of women’s soccer in the United States by launching the USL W League, an elite pre-professional league with 44 clubs, this year, and launching the USL Super League, a new fully professional league, in 2023.

As the club’s plan to build Railyards Stadium progress, the team will unveil new elements of the venue, host fans and community members for town halls to help create an unmatched fan experience, and share more on how it will develop the district around the facility.

For updates about Railyards Stadium, visit SacRepublicFC.com/RailyardsStadium.

Hartford Athletic, Trinity Health Of New England Announce Stadium Naming Rights Partnership

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HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford Athletic, Trinity Health Of New England and the City of Hartford announced today a multi-year stadium naming rights partnership that will see Dillon Stadium’s name changed to Trinity Health Stadium. Joining as Founding Partners in Hartford Athletic’s inaugural season in 2019, Trinity Health Of New England will continue to serve as the Official Healthcare Provider of Hartford Athletic and their logo will continue to be featured on the front of Hartford’s jerseys.

“Trinity Health Of New England has been a great partner to Hartford Athletic and has long served as an excellent corporate citizen and community leader in Hartford and beyond. After three great years together, we are excited to grow our partnership further,” said Hartford Athletic Chairman Bruce Mandell. “The new partnership is a strong indicator of their support and commitment to Hartford, and we look forward to working together for years to come.”

Hartford Athletic players will continue to receive top medical care from Trinity Health Of New England physicians, as well as orthopedic and sports medicine experts. In addition, Trinity Health Of New England will continue to be the presenting partner of Community Health Night, which, in 2021, honored first responders and healthcare heroes who have courageously served the community throughout the pandemic.

“Trinity Health Of New England is honored to be part of this historic moment for Hartford Athletic and the City of Hartford,” said Reggy Eadie, M.D., M.B.A., President and CEO of Trinity Health Of New England. “From the start, our partnership with Hartford Athletic has been an exciting collaboration to bring soccer to Connecticut’s capital city and provide our local communities with a family-friendly outlet and place to come together in a positive way. We are also thrilled that our team of talented physicians, along with our athletic trainer, will continue to provide medical care to this elite group of athletes and their passionate fans.”

Hartford Athletic and Trinity Health Of New England will continue to collaborate on a wide range of special community initiatives, along with outreach and educational events, in an effort to make the community healthier and bring people together through the world’s game of soccer.

“Trinity Health of New England has been a partner of Hartford Athletic since its inception, and that partnership will now be reflected in the name of this historic stadium,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. “This name is a symbol of Trinity Health’s commitment to Hartford, both on and off the pitch. It’s almost soccer season again, and I’ll tell you that I cannot wait to watch some games this season at Trinity Health Stadium.”

As part of the lands gifted by the Colt Family to the City of Hartford, Municipal Stadium was constructed in 1935 under the Federal Emergency Relief. The Stadium was renamed in honor of James H. Dillon in 1956 who served as recreation director of the City of Hartford for nearly 40 years. A Hartford native, Dillon earned national recognition for his efforts during his tenure.

Dillon Stadium has long been a cultural hub and community asset for the City of Hartford and the Greater Hartford region playing host to major events, professional and high school sports, and more. In 2019, the City of Hartford, CRDA, Hartford Athletic, and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving came together for a $14 million renovation of Dillon Stadium to revitalize it as a community asset and home to Connecticut’s professional soccer team. Over the past three years, the Stadium has returned as a hub of activity not only hosting Hartford Athletic home matches but also hosting a Community Day for residents of the city, the Small State Great Beer festival, CIAC Soccer State Championships, UConn Men’s and Women’s soccer, adult, high school and middle school soccer, and numerous other community events. Going forward, Trinity Health Stadium will serve as a venue for even more events including concerts, festivals, community events and more, and James H. Dillon will be commemorated prominently at the Stadium as his legacy lives on.

Trinity Health Stadium signage will be displayed throughout the stadium as part of the partnership. A new archway featuring the Trinity Health Stadium logo will be built by the main entrance, while the press box, video board, and deck scrim adjacent to the press box will all be branded with the stadium logo.

Switchbacks FC, Weidner Apartment Homes Partnership Earns Community Investment Award

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The partnership between Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Weidner Apartment Homes was this past Saturday presented with the ‘2021 Community Investment Award’ at the end of year Gala hosted by the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC.

The event, attended by leaders in local business of the Colorado Springs area, was designed to bring people together in celebration of the year’s achievements, speak on the goals of the Chamber for 2022, and present awards for exemplary business members in the community. Among 25 nominees, the Switchbacks FC and Weidner Apartment Homes partnership was awarded the 2021 Community Investment Award by a unanimous vote from the board.

“This award by the Chamber and EDC is an enormous honor and testifies that this investment goes beyond financials,” said Switchbacks President Nick Ragain. “We have always hoped to create community and grow the city’s profile. Year one success tells me we are on a bright path.”

The Community Investment Award is given to the industry leader the board feels made a significant investment in the community based on their positive economic impact. Weidner Field was one of the major projects of City for Champions – an initiative designed to rebuild the legacy and culture surrounding Colorado Springs – and its opening this past spring served as a landmark moment for the city, the club, and local fans and businesses.

The new 8,000-seat venue’s impact on the downtown Colorado Springs area has been invaluable, with the club attracting more than 100,000 fans overall across the season including multiple sellouts as the Switchbacks earned a place in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs. The impact of Weidner Field’s opening and the Switchbacks’ success has provided a much-needed boost to the culture and economic growth in Downtown Colorado Springs.

For more information on the Chamber and EDC of Colorado Springs, or the award winners, visit coloradospringschamberedc.com.

LouCity’s Lynn Family Stadium a Finalist in TheStadiumBusiness Awards

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC’s Lynn Family Stadium has been announced as a finalist for TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2021’s Project of the Year, adding to the acclaim the world-class soccer-specific venue located in the city’s Butchertown neighborhood has earned since its opening last year.

TheStadiumBusiness Awards — launched in 2010 — are the first industry accolades for the stadium sector, by the stadium sector. Winners will be announced on November 30 during a ceremony in Manchester, England.

Lynn Family Stadium is among six facilities on TheStadiumBusiness’ Project of the Year short list. Others include:

  • English Premier League club Leicester City FC’s new training grounds

  • The Helsinki Olympic Stadium renovation in Finland

  • Renovations at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, N.Y., which this year served as home for the Toronto Blue Jays

  • Compton & Edrich Stands at Lord’s Cricket Ground, England

  • Grand Palais Ephemere, a temporary events venue in Paris, France

“As our industry restarts and recovers post-pandemic, it’s vital that we look for inspiration and ideas from our colleagues around the world,” said Ian Nuttall, TheStadiumBusiness founder. “Sports and entertainment businesses are now re-imagining and re-invigorating their guest experience – embracing technology, service and creativity to deliver ever more magical moments.

“The world’s venues are the ‘memory factories’ of humanity and it is wonderful to see across all the finalists that our industry is alive with new ideas and new approaches. Venues cannot simply take fans for granted. Instead, we are seeing the industry’s best facilities continue to re-invent their offer and enhance the fan experience, connect more deeply with their communities and tackle their sustainability obligations.”

Owned by Soccer Holdings, LLC, and managed by ASM Global, 15,304 capacity Lynn Family Stadium opened in 2020. The Butchertown neighborhood gem boasts 18 luxury suites, numerous premium seating options, safe-standing supporter zones and an array of amenities, including free WiFi and a large video screen.

Also selected to host the 2021 NWSL Championship on November 20, Lynn Family Stadium previously received Greater Louisville Inc.’s Silver Fleur-De-Lis Award, was named Business First Louisville’s Commercial Real Estate Deal of the Year earned a nomination for Stadium of the Year by StadiumDB.

“For 2021 we have an amazing shortlist of finalists across the categories,” Nuttall said. “Our expert Judging Panel will have its work cut out determining a single winner in each category ahead of our Winners’ Party in Manchester on 30 November. Meanwhile, our congratulations to all TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2021 finalists for making the cut. They are all winners and champions for our industry.”

Legislative Victory Sees Eleven Park Move Closer to Reality

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INDIANAPOLIS – Eleven Park, the proposed new soccer-specific home for the USL Championship’s Indy Eleven, came one step closer to reality on Tuesday as the Indiana Senate concurred on Senate Bill 7 that would commit nearly $800 million for operating expenses and to fund capital projects.

The bill will now go forward to the desk of Governor Eric Holcomb for final approval, with the funding for the project and renovation of the Indiana Pacers’ Bankers Life Fieldhouse to come from a mix of existing income, sales, innkeepers, admission and auto rental taxes.

The Eleven, who are currently on a four-game winning streak in the Championship to sit third in the Eastern Conference standings, released a statement praising the efforts of lawmakers to pass the bill.

“With Senate Bill 7 now headed to the Governor’s desk, we are ready to kick off a new era for Indy Eleven professional soccer and the world’s most popular sport in Indiana – with no new taxes and no appropriations from city or state governments,” said the Eleven’s statement. “This is the latest step in the legislative process. With the Governor’s signature, we can continue along the path to fully capturing this one-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future of the world’s game in our capital city.

“Eleven Park is grateful to Senate President Pro Tempore Rod Bray and the bill’s Senate authors; Sen. Ryan Mishler, Sen. Travis Holdman, and Sen. Jack Sandlin, and co-authors; Sen. Jean Breaux and Sen. Jon Ford, and the bill’s House sponsors; Rep. Todd Huston, Rep. Cindy Kirchhofer, Rep. Gregory Porter, and Rep. Dave Heine, all of whom have provided leadership and guidance as the bill has moved through the legislative process.”

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett also offered his congratulations on the passing of the bill and the important investment in infrastructure the city committed to.

“I want to applaud this afternoon’s concurrence on Senate Bill 7, but I also want to applaud the way this legislation was crafted — through state-local collaboration, without a tax or fee increase, and with broad bipartisan support,” said Hogsett. “I offer my personal thanks to legislative leaders in the house and senate for their collective work to craft a bill that protects Hoosier taxpayers and preserves this key economic engine for the next generation of Indiana residents. I look forward to continued conversations with state and local leaders about how we can fully realize the Capital Improvement Board’s 25-year vision for these critical assets.”

Loudoun United Unveils Naming-Rights Partnership with Segra

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LEESBURG, Va. – Loudoun United FC announced on Monday a partnership with Segra, which will be the naming rights partner of the new multi-purpose stadium now officially named Segra Field that will become the home of the USL Championship club when it opens in August. The naming rights partnership is a seven-and-a-half year deal going through 2026. 

“There are many pieces to the puzzle that is building a brand new soccer club and stadium from the ground level. Creating strong partnerships from the beginning is a key piece to long term success,” said Loudoun United Chief Operating Officer Adam Behnke. “Partnering with Segra is a win for all of us. It opens the door for the future growth of both Loudoun United FC and Segra within the rapidly growing business community in Loudoun County.

“Segra is making an investment and expanding into Loudoun and Northern Virginia, providing a state-of-the-art fiber network that will improve connectivity for established and new businesses alike while also furthering our economic development efforts. We are thrilled for the partnership and look forward to growing together to make a lasting impact in our community via this legacy project.”

In addition to becoming the home venue for Loudoun United, Segra Field will also host a variety of other sporting events, community activities, and concerts. The stadium and event space on site will make it a 365-day destination for fans and Loudoun County residents.

The new facility will seat 5,000 people and will have eight luxury suites, seating 24 each. The stadium will feature food and drink vendors from the local Loudoun area, creating a friendly experience for fans. 

“Segra is proud to partner with Loudoun United FC,” said Segra Vice President of Marketing James Nester. “This is an exciting project for Loudoun and the region. We look forward to supporting soccer’s growth in the area, while further establishing our brand and helping drive economic development in Loudoun.” 

Segra is one of the largest independent fiber bandwidth companies in the U.S. Representing a successful merger of Lumos Networks and Spirit Communications, the company now has the most advanced fiber infrastructure network of nearly 25,000 miles that connects more than 9,000 on-net locations and 44 data centers throughout nine Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states. Segra provides Ethernet, MPLS, dark fiber, advanced data center services, IP and managed services, voice and cloud solutions, all backed by its industry-leading service and reliability.