Hartford Athletic donates 2,000 tickets to Hartford community

Hartford Athletic, an expansion USL franchise set to begin play in March, announced the Hartford Athletic Community Ticket Program on Tuesday. The organization will donate more than 2,000 tickets over the course of the team’s inaugural season to the Hartford community, in partnership with the Gitlin Family. The Boys and Girls Club of Hartford was named the first partner and recipient of the program.

"Hartford Athletic continues to step up and deliver on its commitment to the community, and we are excited to participate in the Hartford Athletic Community Ticket Program,” Sam Gray, President & CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford, said in a statement. “Following the Club’s expansion announcement at our Asylum Hill Club last July and the return of the Hartford Athletic futsal [developmental] program at our clubs this February, we are excited to see our relationship continue to grow as we work together to support the many kids who walk through the doors of a Boys and Girls Club each and every day.”

Bruce Mandell, Chairman and CEO of Hartford Athletic, made it clear in the early stages of the franchise’s creation that giving back to the community was a priority. He sees the renovated Dillon Stadium as a future home for high school football games and other sporting events, and hopes Hartford Athletic players can be role models on the field and in the community to young fans.

Organizations interested in the program can apply for the community ticket program at hartfordathletic.com/community.

Hartford Athletic’s first home match at Dillon Stadium is slated for May 4, against Charlotte Independence. The team will hold open tryouts Saturday at the Oakwood Soccer Club from 9 p.m. to midnight, and on Jan. 25 at Sportsworld in East Windsor from 9 a.m. to noon.