Norwich City Council approves soccer team lease at Dodd Stadium

TL;DR

Norwich City Council has approved a lease for a soccer team at Dodd Stadium, allowing CT United F.C. to start playing there by February 2027. The stadium will continue to host the Norwich Sea Unicorns and various community events.

Key points

Norwich City Council approved a soccer team lease at Dodd Stadium
CT United F.C. will start playing by February 2027
Norwich Sea Unicorns will continue to play at the stadium
Community events will also remain at Dodd Stadium
City Manager John Salomone authorized the lease agreement

Mentioned in this story

Norwich City CouncilCT United F.C.Dodd Stadium

Norwich Sea Unicorns

Norwich just scored a goal for keeping pro sports in eastern Connecticut.

After holding an executive session discussion, the Norwich City Council authorized City Manager John Salomone to enter a lease agreement with Norwich Stadium Co., LLC. This decision, approved at the April 29 special meeting, will bring soccer to Dodd Stadium.

The CT United F.C. will begin playing at the Stadium by Feb. 2027, Norwich Community Development Corporation President Kevin Brown said.

The Norwich Sea Unicorns baseball team and other community events, like the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce’s Healthy Living Festival and Relay for Life, will remain at the stadium, Norwich Mayor Swarnjit Singh said.

Fans leave Dodd Stadium after the Norwich Sea Unicorns game July 17.

The new lessee of Dodd Stadium is André Swanston, through the Norwich Stadium Co., LLC. The Norwich Stadium Co. will sublease Dodd Stadium to Norwich Athletic Co., who are the owners of the Sea Unicorns.

In the spring of 2025, City Council considered selling Dodd Stadium. While the Stadium had a long history of costing the city money, many residents support the Stadium, citing their personal appreciation for baseball and the quality of life value the Stadium brings.

During the City Council Meeting, Councilmember Shiela Hayes thanked the community of loyal Sea Unicorns fans for their advocacy.

“We just have to believe in the opportunities,” she said.

Even though Councilmember Bill Nash had wanted to sell the stadium last year, he’s glad it's staying because it provides “reasonable entertainment at a reasonable price,” he said.

Nash also sees more growth potential for in sports at Dodd Stadium, as the World Cup and L.A. Olympics will bring more attention to soccer, and people who attend a soccer game at Dodd Stadum may return for a baseball game, and vice versa, he said.

What are the lease terms?

The Norwich Stadium Co. will have its first lease from Jan. 1, 2027 to June 30, 2029. The lessee will also have three options to extend the lease for a duration of 1 to 10 years each, according to the City Council resolution, approved unanimously.