Rhode Island FC sell-out Saturday’s inaugural match vs. New Mexico United

João Gonçalves, O Jornal correspondent
·2 min read

PAWTUCKET - Rhode Island FC - this area’s new USL Championship team - will play its inaugural match on Saturday, March 16, at Bryant University’s Beirne Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd.

Kick off for the game against Western Conference foe New Mexico United will be at 4 p.m.

“This community has made an enormous statement by filling up every seat at Beirne Stadium for our historic home opener — Rhode Island FC is A Club for All Rhode Island and this state is proud to finally have a professional soccer club to call its own,” Rhode Island FC President Brett Luy said in a prepared statement. “March 16 will be an evening of generational memories and we can't wait to bring the noise, rock the stadium and show that the Ocean State is Anchored in Community.”

The press release also revealed that gates will open at 3 p.m. and there are several activities planned, including a ‘Fan Fest, Food Truck Village,’ a special Black Hawk flyover, family-friendly activities, a live national anthem performance by Rhode Island native and American Idol top-ten finisher Erika Van Pelt, and multiple appearances by local celebrity Chip the Harbor Seal.

Goalkeeper Nate Silveira, a Rhode Island native, signed with Rhode Island FC in February.
Goalkeeper Nate Silveira, a Rhode Island native, signed with Rhode Island FC in February.

This day has been in the works for years. The initial announcement that a USL Championship team would be coming to Rhode Island was made on Dec. 2, 2019. At the time, it was revealed that the team would be playing in a new soccer-specific stadium in Pawtucket, part of a large development project to be named Tidewater Landing.

With a seating capacity of “at least 10,000 fans,” the stadium was going to be part of a complex that also included shops, apartments, offices, and a hotel.

Delays in construction caused by funding issues have forced the team to play its inaugural season at Bryant University’s Beirne Stadium.

Rhode Island FC coach and general manager Khano Smith runs his team though some drills in January.
Rhode Island FC coach and general manager Khano Smith runs his team though some drills in January.

Khano Smith, a native of Bermuda who made 85 appearances with the New England Revolution, is the team’s coach and he has put together an interesting roster that includes players with MLS experience as well as promising newcomers. Fans who were not able to get tickets but might be interested in watching the inaugural game, can tune in to NESN, the exclusive regional broadcaster of Rhode Island FC, or ESPN+.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Rhode Island FC sell-out Saturday’s inaugural match vs. New Mexico United