Pawtucket Soccer Team Will Not Respond to Questions About Ticket Refunds

Pawtucket Soccer Team Will Not Respond to Questions About Ticket Refunds

The proposed minor league soccer team, which had promised investors and season ticket depositors that it would play in the so-called “Tidewater Stadium” in March of 2024, is refusing to answer questions about refunding season-ticket deposits.

But, the stadium, if ever built, certainly will not be built in the next year.

GoLocal asked the team, if it is offering refunds now that the stadium is in question.

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The team’s spokesman refused to answer the questions about refunds but provided a statement asserting that the team will play at an undetermined location.

“We are evaluating all venue options while the construction of Tidewater Stadium progresses and will finalize those plans in the near future. Once the venue situation is finalized, we will announce plans and policies as to how season ticket deposit accounts can convert to 2024 season tickets,” said Mike Raia, the spokesperson, told GoLocal on Friday.

When consumers placed their deposit the soccer team disclosed that there was “no refund.” 

But the team was also promising a new $120 million stadium.

 

Pawtucket Not Issuing Bonds

Last week GoLocal reported that Pawtucket officials were not moving forward with the issuance of $27 million in bonds.

“The City’s top priority has always been protecting taxpayers. Given the market challenges of the last year, including a global pandemic, rising interest rates, tighter market conditions, and a looming banking crisis, the State financing and private debt components of the capital stack have not made fiscal sense to close to the date. While these challenges exist and we continue to work through these issues as partners, the developer has already committed over $25 million to begin work and put foundations in the ground. The State, City, and development team continue to meet regularly on this important project,” Grebien's office said in a statement.

"From the very beginning, the Tidewater project has been a strong partnership between the City, State, and developer and it will be an integral part of the region’s revitalization in the years to come,” said Grebien’s office.

 

Promise to Play, But No Venue

Then on Sunday, the team issued another statement to those who had given deposits.

Dear Season Ticket Deposit Member,

Soccer is coming to Rhode Island in 2024 and the enthusiasm from fans and supporters across this state continues to be overwhelming. As my family and I settle into this community after spending the last decade in Tampa as an executive with USL, I have seen fans displaying or wearing the amber Rhode Island FC shield all over the state.

Recent news about challenges to major commercial developments across the state caused by fluctuations in the global financial markets has understandably raised questions about our stadium progress and the impact it could have on our inaugural season.

Let me be clear and unequivocal: Rhode Island FC is playing soccer in Rhode Island in 2024. And not only that, Rhode Island FC is going to compete for trophies in 2024.

Plans are underway to ensure a great fan experience from the very first match. Our leadership team is evaluating all venue options while the construction of the stadium at Tidewater Landing progresses. We will finalize those plans in the near future. Once the venue for next year is finalized, we will announce plans and policies for how you can convert your deposit to season tickets for our historic inaugural season.

Our club is moving forward faster than ever, and my excitement for our future grows daily.

Rhode Island FC’s Head Coach and General Manager Khano Smith landed in Rhode Island last week and is already packing his bags to head out on his first player scouting trip in Florida.

Our incredible front office team continues to grow with talented and reputable leaders ready to build a competitive team that our community will be eager to support.

We are in the process of planning our front office headquarters and official team store ribbon cutting and can’t wait to invite everyone to this celebration in the coming weeks.

This momentum is something I am proud of, and I know that it will only continue to grow because Rhode Island has one of the country’s strongest soccer communities. Rhode Island FC is a team for all Rhode Island and we cannot wait for our first match in 2024.

 

Yours truly,

Brett Luy
Rhode Island FC President