The arrival of a new USL Championship team in Pawtucket, Rhode Island has never been closer. On August 12 a groundbreaking ceremony for a new soccer-specific stadium took place, which was attended by investors, local politicians, executives and dignitaries. The venue itself will be a part of a larger real estate project.

The plans for construction of the so-called Tidewater Stadium go back to 2020. Initially, the development was due to be completed in 2022, but the pandemic derailed the investors' plans. The current schedule is for the facility to be operational in 2024 and that is when a new USL Championship team will finally arrive in Rhode Island.

The stadium is part of the larger property development concept known as Tidewater Landing project. It includes new housing, retail and a pedestrian bridge. The arena will be the start of the revitalisation of the Seekonk River area in Pawtucket.

© Fortuitous Partners

Tidewater Stadium is one of 5 sports projects under construction in the USL Championship and USL League One. There are another 11 venue designs approved or in development across the both leagues, following clubs such as Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Louisville City FC, Monterey Bay F.C. and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, whose new homes have opened in recent years. This means that there will be more thrilling soccer action in the USA in the coming years. ProTipster offers free tips for sports betting.

The groundbreaking ceremony in Rhode Island was attended by: Brett M. Johnson, founder of Fortuitous Partners (firm that specialises in investing in sports anchored mixed-use real estate projects) and the supporting owner and former US national team player Michael Parkhurst. They were joined by Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee and USL Chief Operating Officer and Chief Real Estate Officer Justin Papadakis.

© Fortuitous Partners

Johnson stated the facility is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024, with the new soccer club targeting to begin playing there that same year. A public announcement regarding the franchise's name, colours and crest is to be made in the coming months. 

Johnson further said that: The project will create thousands of jobs and economic activity and it will spur more business and growth in Pawtucket and Rhode Island. To this end, Mayor Grebien and Governor McKee in particular deserve credit for their vision and commitment to recognize that Pawtucket needs this. That Rhode Island deserves this.

© Fortuitous Partners

The event followed a financial agreement between the club's ownership group and state and local authorities, which will provide funding for the facility. As part of the agreement, taxpayer protection has been put in place so that any rising costs will be covered by the USL Rhode Island group, with a 30-year commitment to compete in the USL Championship. The budget for the stadium alone is estimated at $124 million.

Initially, the facility was intended to accommodate 7,500 fans, but eventually it will seat 11,000 people. In addition, it is possible to expand it to 15,000 in the future. The arena is to have four stands with the leading two-tier west stand, from which there will be a picturesque view of the riverfront. The rest of the auditorium will be single-level. The floodlighting will consist of 4 frames with floodlights and an additional two masts on the east and west sides. A pitch with artificial grass is planned, which can also be used for other team sport.