HARTFORD, Conn. – The Capital Region Development Authority recommended on Thursday night the City of Hartford should pursue an agreement with the Hartford Sport Group to renovate historic Dillon Stadium. The news is a significant step in HSG’s efforts to bring a new USL club to Hartford for the 2019 season.

“We are grateful to the CRDA board for recommending that our group proceed with the City of Hartford on plans for a renovated Dillon Stadium,” said HSG’s Bruce Mandell. “We look forward to continuing the conversation with the City and the CRDA and are excited for the opportunity to build on the momentum in Hartford together.”

HSG was one of three groups to present before the CRDA earlier this month. The HSG proposal calls for a private-public partnership that would bring millions of dollars of investment to the historic venue located in the Coltsville district which would bring the venue back online and support efforts in the surrounding area, adding to a city that has seen growth through strong local economic investment in recent years.

The fourth-largest market in the United States without a professional soccer club, Hartford has been a regular host to U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team games. HSG’s goal to bring the USL to the renovated venue would add to the league’s regional structure, and create another major community asset for the city.