HARTFORD, Conn. – The framework for an agreement that would bring professional soccer to Hartford’s historic Dillon Stadium was announced on Friday, with the potential deal reached by the Hartford Sports Group, City of Hartford and Capital Region Development Authority now before the Hartford City Council and set to be put to the public next week.

The agreement would see the CRDA manage the stadium for at least five years, with the opportunity to extend to 20 years over five-year increments, and the Hartford Sports Group be the venue’s primary tenant which would provide the group with 40 priority scheduling dates at the facility.

Hartford Sports Group has been working toward the establishment of a new USL club that could kick off in the 2019 season.

“We are delighted we have been able to move the Dillon Stadium project forward in partnership with the City administration and the Capital Region Development Authority,” said Hartford Sports Group President Bruce Mandell. “HSG is well aware of the history of Dillon Stadium and its importance to the Hartford community and the Coltsville neighborhood. We also recognize soccer as a sport with great history and a growing audience in our region.

“This project is a perfect pairing of economic development and neighborhood revitalization. We thank the Governor, the Mayor’s Office, and the CRDA for getting us to this point in the process, and we look forward to the consideration of the plan by the Hartford City Council.”