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Demolition Set to Begin For Dillon Stadium Renovation

Dillon Stadium renovation rendering

Demolition is slated to start in the coming weeks for a renovation to Hartford’s Dillon Stadium, which will be overhauled to host a USL club.

The plan for the Dillon Stadium renovation calls for a drastic series of upgrades, with work including new seating, upgraded facilities, and a new turf. Following the project’s completion, the stadium is expected to play host to a Hartford USL team that is backed by the Hartford Sports Group, an entity led by local businessman Bruce Mandell.

Important work is expected to begin in the coming weeks, when construction crews will start dismantling sections of the stadium’s existing seating. Officials are hoping to have the renovation completed by next spring. More from the Hartford Courant:

In the coming weeks, crews will start to dismantle at least half of the bleachers at Dillon Stadium, the historic South End arena that once hosted The Grateful Dead and professional sports matches. Project managers will evaluate the remaining seating along the east side of the stadium to see if it is salvageable, said Michael Freimuth, executive director of the Capital Region Development Authority, which is overseeing the effort.

The renovation is expected to conclude in spring 2019, when a new, professional soccer team will begin playing at Dillon. Bruce Mandell, who is putting the team together with two business partners, said he plans to announce a club name, franchise details and sponsorships this summer.

CRDA has chosen Newfield Construction Inc. to spearhead the upgrades of several structures, including bathrooms, locker rooms, concession stands and a press box. Other pieces of the stadium, like the bleachers and natural grass field, will be ripped out and replaced with new materials. The project calls for a new, west side seating area and an artificial turf field.

Managers are resolved to stay within the $10 million, state-funded budget.

Dillon Stadium originally opened in 1935, and was constructed under the auspices of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration.

Rendering courtesy Hartford Sports Group.

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