Latest news with #RIFC
Boston Globe
09-05-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Rhode Island FC aims one day to give deep-pocketed Revolution a run for its MLS money
There is no comparison in roster depth as the Revolution rested 11 starters, including Gil, from last Saturday's game, a 2-0 win over Toronto FC, their fourth successive shutout victory in MLS play. Along with a seasoned lineup of domestic and international players, the Revolution boast extensive support staff, and they are financed by billionaire owners, the Kraft family. Advertisement Meanwhile, RIFC, which has been competing for less than 14 months, has a sparkling new home; what appears to be a solid fan base; and a rich investor of its own. For the May 3 home opener, while workers were putting finishing touches on Centreville Bank Stadium, the team attracted a sellout crowd of 10,700. RIFC is filling a sporting void left not only by the Pawtucket Red Sox, who moved to Worcester in 2021, leading to the demise of McCoy Stadium; but several soccer teams, as well. Advertisement Local soccer history dates to the late 1800s, when the Pawtucket Free Wanderers, Olympics, Howard & Bullough FC, et al., were going at it. The Lonsdale Avenue Grounds played host to the first US Open Cup final in 1914 and seven more through to 1942. J&P Coats AAFC, which called Lonsdale Avenue home, captured the 1922-23 American Soccer League championship, and as the textile industry declined, the 'Threadmen' were replaced by the Pawtucket Rangers, who won the 1941 US Open Cup and fielded a team at least into the 1970s. Providence picked up the ball with the ASL Rhode Island Oceaneers performing at Pierce Memorial Field, succeeded by minor league teams such as the Rhode Island Stingrays. The inaugural US Open Cup final, a 2-1 victory for Brooklyn FC over Brooklyn Celtic, banged out Lonsdale as 10,000 'New England soccer lovers poured into Pawtucket,' according to Spalding's Soccer Football Guide. Judging from photos, many spectators stood throughout the 90-minute contest and the overflow included some perched on fences and the scoreboard. Unlike their Lonsdale predecessors, the 9,539 spectators arriving on Wednesday enjoyed comfortable seating and extensive concessions. They included a supporter group, called Defiance 1636, complete with drums and smoke bombs. 'We wouldn't have built it if we didn't think it was a soccer haven in Rhode Island,' said Michael Parkhurst, an RIFC co-founder along with venture capitalist Brett Johnson, a Brown University graduate. 'You see the television numbers in Providence for European games and national team games, and they are consistently high. We knew they were there and we were excited for [the crowd] Week 1, and now we are doing everything we can to keep interest strong.' Advertisement Parkhurst, 41, a Providence native, attended the Revolution's inaugural game as a fan in 1996 and became one of the team's all-time best players as a defender from 2005-08. 'It's a melting pot in Rhode Island, a lot of nationalities,' Parkhurst said. 'Because there's not a ton of professional opportunities in Rhode Island, it's an opportunity to grab casual sports fans, who like being around friends at a game. Also, there's a ton of students, a lot of colleges, and we know the younger generation likes watching and playing soccer, and that level is growing nationwide.' The potential for a rivalry between RIFC and the Revolution is limited by the teams' competitive levels. 'I don't want to lose any game, I especially don't want to lose to a team 30 minutes down the street that plays in the USL,' Revolution coach Caleb Porter said. 'We needed to make sure that everybody knows who's the MLS team, at the end of it.' Said RIFC coach/general manager Khano Smith: 'He's right. How many million dollar players did they have on pitch and how many did we have?' Smith, 43, a former Parkhurst teammate who also competed at Maine Central Institute and Champlain Junior College, guided RIFC to last year's USL title game, a 3-0 loss to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. 'They should beat us, but sports doesn't work like that, especially soccer,'' Smith said. 'Unlucky to lose the game but that's football. So, obviously disappointed but no reason to hang your head at all. 'Big picture, you couldn't ask for a better opponent to play our second game in our stadium. Unfortunately, we only play them one time a year, unless we play them in a friendly.' Advertisement In fact, RIFC does not aspire to challenge the Revolution's regional hegemony. Stadium plans allow for expansion to 15,000, below MLS requirements. And, lacking promotion/relegation, future matchups will be rare. 'We're very happy with the USL and the league's growth and building a niche in Rhode Island with our fan base,' Parkhurst said. 'The only way I ever see it happening would be with [promotion/relegation], if MLS would ever entertain it. There is a possibility that maybe it will happen but probably not in our lifetime.'
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
RIPTA offering free bus service for RIFC home games
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — For anyone heading to Rhode Island FC's sold-out home opener on Saturday, RIPTA is offering a convenient — and free — way of getting to and from the stadium. Starting May 3, a dedicated 'gameday bus' will be available for all RIFC home games, RIPTA announced Monday alongside club officials. The Route R-1636 bus will run on a roughly 8- to 10-minute loop between several stops and Centreville Bank Stadium, according to RIPTA. Many of the stops are located near the stadium's prepaid parking lots. Pawtucket prepares for influx of cars for RIFC home opener On game days, the bus service will begin three hours before kickoff and continue until an hour after all postgame events conclude. Passengers will be dropped off and picked up at nearby Ivan Perez Memorial Park. Here's the full list of stops on Route R-1636: Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center (300 Pine St.) Rhode Island FC Reserved Parking Lot M7 (former Apex building at 100 Main St.) Passengers parking at Reserved Lots M7, M8, M9, M10, M11 can board at Lot M7. Exchange after Broad (23 Exchange St.) 175 Main St. (opposite Slater Mill) Passengers parking at Lot M12 will board here. Lots M14, M13, M15 are within walking distance of this stop. Roosevelt Avenue (121 Exchange St.) Passengers parking at Lot M16 will board here. Division St. Bridge (50 Division St.) Passengers parking at Lots D5, D6 and D7 will board here. Ivan Perez Memorial Park (319 Pleasant St.) View the Centreville Bank Stadium parking map here. With a sellout crowd of 10,500 fans expected for RIFC's home opener, the goal of the bus service is to reduce congestion near the stadium. There are other bus routes in the area, but RIPTA said this is the only one that will be provide direct service to the stadium. Also, anyone who boards at a stop outside the loop will be required to pay the regular $2 bus fare. 'In addition to RIFC games, the R-1636 will also be available for select major events, giving fans more chances to enjoy the stadium without the stress,' Centreville Bank Stadium General Manager Paul Byrne said in a press release. 'Whether you take the train or park at one of our Reserved Lots, the R-1636 bus makes the fan experience easy and convenient, so you don't miss a moment of the action!' Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Revolution to visit Rhode Island FC in US Open Cup on May 7
This will be the first meeting between the Revolution, which is playing its 30th season, and the second-year RIFC. In its debut season a year ago, RIFC won the USL Eastern Conference before losing to Colorado Springs in the title game, and is 1-2-1, 4 points to start this year. Rhode Island defeated Portland Hearts of Pine of USL League One, 2-1, on Tuesday night in the third round in Lewiston, Maine. Clay Holstad and Frank Nodarse scored three minutes apart in the first half for the visitors. 'I'm really happy that our players will get to showcase themselves against MLS opposition in our new stadium,' Rhode Island FC coach and general manager Khano Smith said in a statement. 'This is a great opportunity to highlight our team and club overall. For our players, it's their chance to showcase themselves at a higher level with a lot of eyes watching.' Advertisement Smith is no stranger to the Revolution, recording eight goals and 12 assists in 101 MLS regular-season games during two stints from 2005-08 and 2010. In the 2005 Eastern Conference semifinals, Smith scored the series-winning goal in the 83rd minute to help the Revolution defeat New York/New Jersey en route to the first of three straight MLS Cup appearances. While he did not play in the 2005 MLS Cup, Smith came off the bench in '06 and started in '07. Advertisement Smith also featured during New England's 2007 US Open Cup title. The Revolution did not compete in the in-season tournament a year ago, and lost in the Round of 32 in 2023 at home to Pittsburgh of USL Championship. New England has won two of its last three games and sits 12th in the Eastern Conference at 2-4-1, 7 points. The Revolution host New York City FC on Saturday night. The winner of the May 7 match will host the winner of the Chicago (MLS) vs. Detroit City (USL Championship) game in the Round of 16. Keith Pearson can be reached at
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rhode Island FC, Centreville Bank celebrate opening of new events center, branch
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — A co-grand opening celebration was held Wednesday at 175 Main St. in Pawtucket. Rhode Island Football Club (RIFC) unveiled a new events center at the team's headquarters, while right next door, Centreville Bank opened a new branch. Centreville Bank President, CEO and Chairman of the Board Harold Horvat said having the two sites so close to each other highlights the 'growing collaboration between the two organizations.' 'We're incredibly excited about our partnership with Rhode Island FC, right here in this vibrant, dynamic space,' Horvat said. 'Just as RIFC is building something special for sports fans and the city, we're here to build relationships, support local businesses, and help individuals achieve their financial goal.' RELATED: Rhode Island FC announces single-game tickets, theme nights for 2025 season During the ceremony, Centreville Bank presented Charitable Foundation grants of $2,500 to the Pawtucket YMCA and Pawtucket Public Library. 'At Rhode Island FC, we talk often about being more than a soccer team. We strive to create opportunities that go beyond the game to bring people together, to support local causes, and to be a part of the everyday life of our community,' RIFC President David Peart added. 'Centreville Bank shares that vision and this new branch is another step toward building a stronger, more connected Pawtucket.' After a successful first season, RIFC is gearing up for its second USL Championship campaign. This spring, they'll be playing at the newly built Stadium at Tidewater Landing in Pawtucket. You can watch the club's season opener against the Charleston Battery on Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. on myRITV. ALSO READ: 1,000+ apply to work at Stadium at Tidewater Landing Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Stadium at Tidewater Landing looks to fill up to 400 jobs
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — The future home of Rhode Island FC is looking to hire upwards of 400 people as it gets ready for the upcoming season. The Stadium at Tidewater Landing is hosting a job fair on Monday, Feb. 24, at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center at 175 Main St. There are two sessions: 1–3 p.m. and 5–8 p.m. The event will feature on-the-spot interviews and hiring for a variety of positions, according to the club. These include: Concessions Security Fan services Cleaning and janitorial Event operations Retail and warehouse associates Ticketing Street team Grounds crew Ushers Guest experience 'Providing an exceptional gameday experience to fans is our number-one priority,' RIFC President David Peart said in a press release. 'We are excited to invite members of our community that want to help deliver a world-class fan experience that reflects the passion and energy of our fans.' RELATED: Rhode Island FC Releases 2025 preseason schedule Applications will be available upon arrival, and attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resume. The club said no prior experience is necessary, but applicants must be at least 18 years old. 'Whether you are a retiree, college student or working professional, we have a lot of great opportunities for outgoing community members looking to be a part of an exciting and fun atmosphere,' Stadium General Manager Paul Byrne added. Anyone with questions about the event can email jobfair@ RIFC began play last year and made it all the way to the USL Championship Final in its first season, despite not having a dedicated home stadium. The club's home opener at Tidewater Landing is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, at 4 p.m. RIFC ticketing information and stadium details Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
