Venue to host full slate of regular and postseason Major League Rugby matches
- Free Jacks have signed an agreement with Union Point Sports Complex in Weymouth, MA
- Free Jacks and Union Point to build stadium, seating and entertainment infrastructure surrounding all weather World Rugby certified field
- Stadium seating installation to commence in early 2020 in advance of Free Jacks opening weekend in March 2020
- Access to venue via public transportation connects the facility to downtown Boston in 25 minutes
Boston, MA – The New England Free Jacks today announced their home venue for their Inaugural Season in Major League Rugby as Union Point Stadium.
“We are very excited to be able to announce our home for next year,” said Free Jacks co-Founder and CEO Alex Magleby. “Numerous improvements have been made and are underway at Union Point since last spring, and we will make additional infrastructure investments ahead to continue to build towards a very unique, friendly, and fun fan experience.
Moreover, to be able to play on a world class surface in any condition, will help showcase the Free Jacks while providing an incredible home field advantage, as Union Point will also serve as our primary indoor training venue.”
To date, the Free Jacks have played three matches at Union Point, hosting Rugby United New York in the first friendly edition of the “Cold War”, as well as two Cara Cup matches against Connacht and Ulster this past spring.
“On behalf of all the partners involved in the sports complex, we are thrilled to become the home of the Free Jacks for 2020. To bring a professional sports franchise to Union Point is a fantastic win for the rugby community, the town of Weymouth and the entire South Shore,” said Jerry Shafir, co-owner of Union Point Sports Complex. “Union Point’s rugby mission is to be a development center for high-school, collegiate and club rugby and the arrival of the professional game is truly remarkable for our venue.”
“We have been very impressed by the progress made in the five months since the last Cara Cup match held here,” said Owen Scannell, Director of Operations for the Free Jacks. “We strongly believe that we can create a world class fan experience for every Free Jacks game, highlighted by the Berm Beer Garden overlooking the north end of the pitch that is almost completed.”
“The proximity to both “T” service and the Weymouth commuter rail station was an important factor in our venue decision making process,” continued Magleby. “Our fans will be able to attend pre-match festivities at a number of our Partner pubs in downtown Boston, board the train at South Station, and be at the match in 25 minutes.”
The Free Jacks are in the process of finalizing the structure and process to begin their 2020 season ticket sales campaign. Additional details will be provided to the media the week of September 23rd.
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New England Free Jacks
The New England Free Jacks are greater Boston’s 1st Professional Rugby team representing all the greatness of the six New England states on and off the field. The Free Jacks were named the 9th member of Major League Rugby on September 20th and will compete in the 2020 MLR regular season.
For more information on the Free Jacks:
Oliver Engelhart
917-890-7545
Oliver.engelhart@thefreejacks.com
Union Point Sports Complex
Union Point Sports Complex is a brand new 25-acre indoor and outdoor sports complex. Global Premier Soccer (GPS), Boston Laxachusetts, and Boston Rugby Club are among the sports organizations that call Union Point Sports Complex home. UPSC is unique to the South Shore and located within the town of Weymouth while bordered by the towns of Abington and Rockland and sitting just 12 miles south of Boston. UPSC features four fully lit synthetic turf fields equipped with permanent playing surfaces for soccer, lacrosse, rugby and field hockey. Union Point Stadium is the entertainment focused amenities surrounding Field 4, a rugby specific pitch and internationally certified playing surface.
For more information on Union Sports Complex
Dave Pike
(781) 660-2871
www.unionpointsportscomplex.com
Major League Rugby
Major League Rugby (MLR) is a professional rugby league, launched in April 2018. It is an initiative of the American rugby community, in partnership with private investors, who believe that American rugby can thrive at the highest levels—as a commercial enterprise; as an influential player on the international scene; and as a participation sport at the youth and senior level. MLR is the pinnacle of American rugby, and provides a rallying point for local communities, a focal point for American rugby fans, and an aspirational destination for young athletes.
For more information on Major League Rugby
Alicia Richardson
