Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Old Glory DC have announced a change of home venues for the 2024 Major League Rugby season. The team will depart Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia, and move to the other side of the Potomac River after agreeing a one-year deal with the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown.
Maryland SoccerPlex opened in October 2000 and has a total of 24 fields and a 66,000 square foot fieldhouse. The main pitch that will be used by Old Glory will be a significant upgrade in terms of playing surface. It features a full-size field and irrigated Bermuda Grass with an advanced drainage system, and will allow the team to use proper rugby lines for broadcast.
There are drawbacks to the move. In terms of seating capacity the SoccerPlex field is only 3,200 as opposed to Segra Field’s larger 5,000. While the location will be welcome news to those on the north side of the Potomac, those south of the river will have a much longer commute to the game.
A media release from the club indicates they intend to create a greater atmosphere on match day with a new beer garden and improved concessions. It also indicates that a return to within DC remains a long-term goal though an appropriately-sized venue does not currently exist.
The SoccerPlex will be the third venue Old Glory has used in MLR competition. Prior to making the move to Segra Field in 2021 they played their exhibition and inaugural campaigns at Cardinal Stadium on the campus of Catholic University of America.
