Welcome to Rhody Soccer Hype!

On December 2, 2019 a major economic development program was announced to revitalize the Pawtucket, Rhode Island riverfront. Anchoring the project is a 7,500 seat soccer stadium to house a USL Championship club, playing in the second tier of American soccer beneath Major League Soccer.

Besides being a native (and once again) Rhode Islander as well as a life-long soccer fan, this has me quite excited. I love the idea of my local club being a truly local club. Sure, the New England Revolution play 30 minutes away. I have followed them avidly since their inception in 1996, was a season ticket holder for three seasons, and I consider them my club. Well, until 2022 that is.

Playing in the same market as the Revs is just once of the interesting issues this blog will cover. I have always found the business side of soccer fascination, both on and off the pitch. Everything from player budgets, to public image and marketing, to kit selection and branding, to stadium atmosphere and supporter culture. All of these issues I would like to tackle in this blog. Since this club is only an idea at this point, it will be a fun exercise to discuss it all.