Rhode Island FC

Rhode Island FC is an upcoming American professional soccer club located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The club is planned to debut in the USL Championship in 2024.

Rhode Island FC
Nickname(s)RIFC
Founded2019
StadiumBeirne Stadium
Smithfield, Rhode Island
Capacity5,000
Head coachKhano Smith
LeagueUSL Championship
2024Inaugural season
WebsiteClub website

History

On December 2, 2019, it was announced that a new soccer-specific stadium, named Tidewater Stadium, would be a centerpiece for a large development project in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.[1] The stadium is proposed to seat at least 10,000 fans[2] and be connected to shops, apartments, offices, and a hotel in the $400-million plan. The initial goal was to have the team playing by 2023.

Due to inflation and delays caused by COVID-19, the project was pushed back until 2022 when construction on the project began.[3] The team is now expected to begin play in 2024.

On November 14, 2022, the team announced their name as Rhode Island FC and revealed their team crest and colors.

Former Bermuda national team captain Khano Smith, was named the team's first head coach and general manager on March 8, 2023.[4]

Rhode Island FC will play their inaugural 2024 season at Bryant University's Beirne Stadium while completing construction of the stadium at Tidewater Landing.[5]

Staff
Staff
President United States Brett Luy
Head Coach/General Manager Bermuda Khano Smith
Assistant Coach United States Dave McKay
Chief Revenue Officer United States Vicky Lynch
Stadium General Manager United States Paul Byrne
Office Manager United States Julia Menendez
As of July 18, 2023[6]

References
  1. "Rhode Island Unveils 7,500-Seat Soccer-Specific Stadium Anchored by USL Championship Club". USL. December 2, 2019. Retrieved October 25, 2022.
  2. "Pawtucket celebrates Tidewater Landing project coming to waterfront". ABC6. August 12, 2022. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  3. "Stadium groundbreaking moves Rhode Island toward 2024 debut in USL Championship". USL. August 12, 2022. Retrieved October 25, 2022.
  4. "Rhode Island FC Names Khano Smith as Club's First Head Coach and General Manager". Rhode Island Football Club. March 8, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  5. "Rhode Island FC Announces Partnership with Bryant University for 2024 Season". USLChampionship.com. USL Championship. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  6. "Front Office". Rhode Island FC. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
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