As Major League Rugby (MLR) gets ready to kick-off its inaugural season in 2018, America’s latest professional sport has been given a boost in Houston with the city’s council approving a US$3.2m deal to help build a new stadium for the SaberCats.
One of only seven franchises forming MLR, the SaberCats will move from Constellation Field and build a 3,500-seat stadium and two practice fields as part of a redevelopment at Houston Amateur Sports Park in time for the beginning of its 2019 season.
Funding for the venue is said to come from public improvement funds not city tax dollars, and will form a deal where team investors will be reimbursed for construction of the stadium, as well as a new parking lot, access roads and further public utilities.
The SaberCats will also commit to providing at least 200 hours of free rugby training for children and host high school matches.
The MLR season begins in April 2018 where teams from Houston, New Orleans, San Diego, Seattle, Glendale and Salt Lake City will compete in a pro league. Hoping to follow in the success of Major League Soccer, further cities including New York will join in 2019, while Boston, Chicago, Dallas and Kansas City are reportedly looking to get involved.
February 8, 2018
