The Hartford Athletic soccer club, slated for its first home game May 4, on Wednesday released the remaining schedule for its inaugural season in the United Soccer League.
The team will play 17 games at Hartford’s historic Dillon Stadium between May 4 and Oct. 19. All but three home games will be played on a Saturday.
The Athletic’s 34-game schedule will take the club across the U.S. and Canada, playing games in St. Louis, Indianapolis, Nashville, Memphis, Tampa Bay, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, New York and other locations.
Owned by the Hartford Sports Group (HSG), the team will play its first-ever game on March 9 vs. Atlanta United 2. The Athletic’s next six games in March and April will be played on the road, which team officials say is customary for startup teams in the USL, until renovations are completed at Dillon Stadium.
Additional games will be played at Dillon Stadium if the Athletic qualify for the USL playoffs, which run from Oct. 23 through mid-November.
The Athletic, part of USL’s expansion to 36 teams in 2019, is a member of the newly reshuffled eastern conference.
The team has not yet released single-game ticket sales, but is currently selling $250Â season ticket memberships, offering five seating choices for fans. Season ticket prices range from $250 to $900, depending on proximity to the field.
HSG CEO and Chairman Bruce Mandell told Hartford Business Journal last month the ongoing overhaul of Dillon Stadium remains on budget and will be ready for its first home game in May. When completed, the stadium will have about 5,500 seats.
The team hired head coach Jimmy Nielsen in September and on Tuesday announced the team’s first three player signings, including Jose Angulo, who was named most valuable player in USL’s 2013 championship game. An additional dozen players have also been signed, which the team is expected to announce in the weeks ahead.
Earlier this month, the team unveiled its new blue and green logo and a promotional video tying in local players, fans and coaches.
