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Rochester Rhinos Taking One-Year Hiatus From USL Play

Rochester Rhinos

After recently calling on the community to offer its financial support, the Rochester Rhinos have announced that they are taking a one-year hiatus from USL play.  

Earlier this month, the Rhinos announced that an estimated $1.3 million would be needed to field a team for the 2018 campaign. Rhinos owners David and Wendy Dworkin, who took control of the club in 2016, said that a decision on the team’s 2018 status had to be made by November 30, and were calling on businesses and community members to help raise the necessary funds by that date.

In their initial announcement, club said it was seeking funds through a variety of sources. That included $600,000 in sales for new season tickets and luxury suites, $160,000 from jersey sponsorships, and $540,000 from a combination of corporate partnerships and a slice of Monroe County hotel room occupancy tax revenues.

However, on Thursday that club announced that it is taking a one-year hiatus from play, citing significant financial gaps that remain. Though they will not field a team during the coming season, the Rhinos plan to remain in good standing with the USL. The club’s full statement can be read below:

The Rochester Rhinos announced today that they will take a one-year hiatus from play in the United Soccer League (USL) during the 2018 season. This comes as the community rallied to generate increased support over the past two weeks, yet not to the extent needed. Significant gaps remain, including Capelli Sport Stadium’s exclusion from receiving a portion of the Hotel Occupancy Tax.

The club will remain in good standing with the USL throughout the 2018 season. As it looks to the future, the Rhinos will aim to build on recent momentum with local business leaders and fans to create stronger bonds.

“We want to sincerely thank our fans, sponsors, players, coaches and staff for their unwavering enthusiasm, and their attempts to rally others,” said Rhinos Co-Owner David Dworkin. “We will continue to work diligently with supporters, the regional business community and government leaders to solidify a foundation for sustained success, including placing Capelli Sport Stadium on equal footing with other facilities in Monroe County and the City of Rochester.”

Capelli Sport Stadium will host several USL regular-season contests during 2018, with the dates and match-ups to be announced upon release of the 2018 USL schedule. In addition, the Junior Rhinos youth soccer program will continue throughout 2018.

The Stadium will also continue hosting events including concerts and festivals next year.

Fans who ordered 2018 Rhinos season tickets will have their purchases refunded in full beginning Tuesday, December 5th. Any fans who would prefer to have their deposits credited towards 2018 USL matches at Capelli Sport Stadium may contact the box office directly prior to December 5th.  For additional questions and answers regarding today’s announcement, please visit RhinosSoccer.com.

In a Q&A on their website, the Rhinos address several areas, including their status for 2019 and beyond. When it comes to the 2019 campaign, the Rhinos indicate that they are “assessing what’s needed to play in 2019, and expect that process to take considerable time.” The Rhinos played their first season in 1996, and have called Capelli Sport Stadium home since 2006.

Image courtesy Rochester Rhinos

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