HARTFORD, Conn. – The United Soccer League today announced that Hartford, Connecticut will be the next market to join the league for the 2019 season. Hartford Sports Group will own and operate the new club, which will be named Hartford Athletic.

Hartford joins teams in thriving soccer markets across North America as the sixth expansion franchise to become part of the USL for the ninth season of the league’s modern era. Located in the heart of the Northeast United States, Hartford adds to an already-strong presence across the region within the league.

“Hartford makes the sixth addition to the USL for 2019 and strengthens the league’s presence in the Northeast with a thriving city that boasts a rich soccer history,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “The league continues to reach new heights through record attendance and additional expansion into exciting new markets. Hartford will join Austin, Memphis, El Paso, New Mexico and Birmingham as new clubs in 2019. We are thrilled to welcome Bruce, Scott and Joe to our ownership group and are excited for their vision of professional soccer in Hartford as they debut in their new home Dillon Stadium.”

Hartford Athletic will play its home games at Dillon Stadium in Hartford, which will be restored with funding provided by the State of Connecticut, through the Capital Region Development Authority, and in partnership with the City of Hartford.

“After years of planning and hard work, we are excited to officially announce that professional soccer is coming to Hartford and Dillon Stadium will be brought back to life,” said Bruce Mandell, Chairman & CEO of Hartford Sports Group. “We’re proud of where we’re from and can’t wait to build a Club that will energize our community and bring people together. As an organization, we’re dedicated to winning on and off the field, and we have all the ingredients for success that we’ve seen in so many other soccer cities. Let’s dream big together and use the world’s game to continue the momentum in Hartford.”

The USL is one of the most exciting professional soccer leagues in North America, with nearly 40 teams set to take the field in 2019 across the United States and Canada reaching a population of more than 84 million people. The league includes top players from around the world who regularly compete in international competition. The league has also seen tremendous growth in attendance since its launch in 2011, and its matches are available nationwide on the innovative ESPN+ platform, with select matches broadcast across linear ESPN channels.

“Dillon Stadium is a historic and beloved community asset, and I’m thrilled that we have the chance to bring Dillon back to life for our community – and as the home of professional soccer and Hartford Athletic. The United Soccer League is a fast-growing, exciting league, and I am looking forward to seeing Hartford Athletic take the field in our Capital City,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. “Along with the incredibly successful restoration of the Colt Armory complex for both commercial and residential use, the Hooker Brewery tasting room, the coming upgrades to Colt Park, and of course the designation of the Colstville National Historic Park, a revitalized Dillon Stadium brings us one step closer to the reinvention of this historic neighborhood. I want to thank the Hartford Sports Group for their commitment to and passion for this project, and I also want to thank the Governor, the legislature, our Hartford delegation, and the Capital Region Development Authority for their investment in Dillon. Without their strong partnership and support, we could not make this happen.”