New Britain Has State’s Only Professional Soccer Team
By Robin Vinci | Editor at February 11, 2024 | 6:00 pm | Print
The Council Wednesday night approved an authorization to execute a five year lease agreement with the Connecticut United Football Club for the utilization of The Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The Connecticut United Football Club is seeking to use Veterans Memorial Stadium in Willow Brook Park for a term of three years, with an option to extend the agreement for an additional two years. Connecticut United FC agreed to pay a rental fee of $1,000 per game and to carry all applicable insurances required.
The Connecticut United Football Club is a member of the ASL (American Soccer League) and is seeking to lease Veterans Memorial Stadium for the next three years with an option to extend the term for an additional period of two years.
The American Soccer League is a developmental league that provides American soccer players with professional playing opportunities as well as a direct pathway into the major leagues.
The Connecticut United Football Club is the only professional soccer team in the state of Connecticut and will play ten home matches at Veterans Memorial Stadium in its inaugural spring 2016 season.
Details include that, the Club has agreed to name the City of New Britain as “additionally insured” on all of its insurance coverages including General Liability, Liquor Liability, Auto Liability and Umbrella in addition to any and all workers’ compensation policies.
Connecticut United Football Club will give the City a cash deposit in the amount of $5,000 which may be applied to cover any financial requirements and obligations in the event of any default on any term of the agreement. The City of New Britain will operate all food and beverage concessions at soccer matches and receive all revenue generated.
According to Mayor Erin Stewart, the City of New Britain is fast becoming the sports capital of Connecticut hosting such events as the New Britain Bees Atlantic League Baseball, International and MLS soccer matches, intercollegiate baseball tournaments and football games, USA Track and Field Region 1 Junior Olympic Qualifiers, United States Bands New England Regional Competitions, Nutmeg State Games, CIAC State Championships in Track and Field, Football, and Soccer matches.
“We got a baseball team and soccer team in the same year. I guess we are doing something right,” said Stewart. “NFL here we come.”
The first match is tentatively scheduled for April 2.
