NORWICH — The Hartford Yard Goats are coming “home” to Connecticut a little sooner than expected. While their real home and brand new stadium ...

NORWICH — The Hartford Yard Goats are coming “home” to Connecticut a little sooner than expected. While their real home and brand new stadium in Hartford inches closer to completion, the Double-A team will play 9 games at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, the team announced Thursday morning.

The Yard Goats will host the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays affiliate) from May 12 through May 15 and then entertain the Akron Rubber Ducks (Cleveland Indians affiliate) as part of the same homestand, May 16 through May 18. Hartford will then play host to the Bowie BaySox (Baltimore Orioles affiliate) for a 3-game in two day series on May 23 and a double-header on May 24.

In a status hearing Tuesday afternoon, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin grilled the developer of the stadium about their promised May 17 completion date. The developer insisted the stadium will be completed by May 17 and ready for the city per the terms of the contract. The first real home game is set for May 31.

Yard Goats season ticket holders will be allowed to attend all of the games in Norwich with complementary tickets, courtesy of the Yard Goats. All other ticket sales will be handed by the Dodd Stadium box office. Eastern League baseball was played at Dodd Stadium from 1995-2009.

“This announcement by the Eastern League, which was expected due to the stadium construction delays, will give the Yard Goats Players and Coaching Staff the opportunity to get home from the 37 day road trip and get settled in Hartford as we prepare for opening day at Dunkin’ Donuts Park,” Yard Goats General Manager Tim Restall said.

Here is a look at the schedule:

Thursday, May 12 vs New Hampshire 6:05 PM

Friday, May 13 vs New Hampshire 6:05 PM

Saturday, May 14 vs New Hampshire 6:05 PM

Sunday, May 15 vs New Hampshire 1:35 PM

Monday, May 16 vs Akron 6:05 PM

Tuesday, May 17 vs Akron 6:05 PM

Wednesday, May 18 vs Akron 12:35 PM

Monday, May 23 vs Bowie 6:05 PM

Tuesday, May 24 vs Bowie 4:05 PM (DH)