At a special City Council meeting Monday, Hartford officials went over a plan that could bring a professional soccer team to a renovated Dillon Stadium.
The plan calls for renovating Dillon Stadium for a cost of around $10 million. As it’s presented, the state would pay for these renovations. In February, the funding was approved by the State Bond Commission which drew upon funds authorized by the General Assembly for neighborhood investment. If the city council approves the proposal and everything goes as planned, a renovated Dillon Stadium could have a United Soccer League, or USL, team by next April.
Dillon Stadium became embroiled in controversy when the developers hired to redevelop it were accused of pocketing money for the project. They were ultimately convicted on fraud and money laundering charges.
This proposal could bring new life to the stadium, which many who pass by consider an eyesore.
“I'm super psyched about this proposal. I think it's great for Hartford,” said Brian Gallagher, president of the Hartford Soccer Club.
With the city retaining ownership, the Capital Region Development Authority managing it, and the Hartford Sports Group, or HSG, using it.
HSG promises to spend up to $10 million to bring in a USL team, while also paying an annual $300,000 licensing fee. They would also pay a $25,000 community use fund payment and cover overhead expenses that exceed $300,000 in any year. HSG would also cover the costs of police officers used outside the stadium for events as well as private security inside the stadium
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“I certainly support redoing Dillon but not for this kind of money,” said Hartford resident Alyssa Peterson.
While some who spoke on Monday had concerns, the majority seemed supportive of the plan.
When not being used for USL games, the community could use the facility. Hartford would be expected to continue to pay for insurance for the stadium and would provide trash removal and snow removal. Trash removal after HSG events would be paid for by HSG. The city would also cover utilities after HSG covers the first $10,000 in electric costs.
Improvements would also be made to Colt Park as part of the plan.
“Seems like a good deal, but we want to make sure it is really a good deal for the city of Hartford,” said resident Hyacinth Yennie.
City Council President Glendowlyn Thames says that there will be a Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting on Thursday to discuss the plan, and the city council could vote on the proposal as soon as April 9th.
CRDA and HSG say the plan needs to be approved soon so they can begin renovations and bring in a USL team.
