Bridgeport soccer stadium fails to secure $100M from state; economic impact study ordered
City officials had hoped Connecticut United FC could begin playing at the proposed East Side venue by 2026.
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Plans for a new professional soccer stadium in Bridgeport have hit a temporary setback after Connecticut lawmakers opted not to allocate $100 million in state funding, instead, ordering an economic impact study to assess the project’s financial viability.
City officials had hoped Connecticut United FC could begin playing at the proposed East Side venue by 2026.
The stadium is a key component of a broader $1 billion redevelopment plan that includes new housing, retail space and a hotel.
State Rep. Christopher Rosario acknowledged the decision as “bittersweet” but remains optimistic the study will ultimately secure bond funding.
“Had we not gotten the TIF language, it would’ve been a great disappointment, but beating that we got the TIF language, which would create close to $200 million in financing towards that project. It was a little bittersweet, but I’ll take it,” Rosario said.
Developers had previously conducted their own study suggesting the project would create hundreds of jobs and generate billions in revenue.
Mayor Joe Ganim and other officials tout the stadium as a transformative investment for the city’s future.
While the soccer team declined to comment, officials expect the state’s study to be presented to the governor, who could then approve funding through the bonding process.
