From Chad Emerson, Managing Director of Business Operations for Huntsville City FC
Eight years ago, the final inning was played in Joe Davis Stadium. Once considered “The Crown Jewel of the Southern League,” the facility has sat dormant, quiet, and empty for nearly a decade. It was the end of an era, but the beginning of unprecedented growth for our beloved Huntsville.
Since that time, Mid City, Stovehouse, and Campus 805 opened their campuses, bringing new life to dormant areas of the city; Lowe Mill has continued the cultural growth of Huntsville; The Hometown Lender’s Championship, the U.S. Paralympic Cycling Open, the Havoc, and the Rocket City Trash Panda’s brought us sporting events that have made our city proud; Mars Music Hall and The Orion have given us world-class music venues for local, regional, and international artists.
Now “The Joe” comes back to life, reimagined for a revitalized city as we open the gates to a new chapter for The Rocket City and the launch of Huntsville City Football Club!
Huntsville City FC, Huntsville’s very own professional soccer team, kicks off their first match at home—and a new era of sports in the Rocket City—on May 19. This historic event is also a celebration of the beloved Joe Davis Stadium. Formerly a baseball facility, Joe Davis will be home to not just HCFC, but also football, lacrosse, rugby, ultimate frisbee events, concerts, and so much more. Sports have been a proven driver for economic development and growth in Huntsville, and this new chapter for growth in the Rocket City is a thrilling addition to the vibrant growth of our rising city.
To celebrate this a little early, we have decided to open the gates of Joe Davis a few days ahead time for a free, open house event on May 16. Gates open at 5pm, and the night will offer attendees an opportunity to view Joe Davis Stadium and a first look at the home kit for Huntsville City FC (as well as first dibs on taking one home)! The Yellowhammer Beer Garden will be open, HCFC players will be available to meet and sign autographs, and food trucks will be on site to provide local flavor for those in attendance.
It’s been my privilege to have a front-row seat to the growth, evolution, and thriving success of this great city. In my work at Downtown Huntsville, Inc., I saw Downtown Huntsville revitalized and reimagined alongside many districts across the city. It brings me great pride and joy to invite you to this new chapter for Joe Davis and Huntsville.
Glory Rocket City! See you on the pitch, Huntsville – let’s cheer on our boys in blue!
The open house event is free, but capacity is limited, so RSVP here.
Season tickets are going fast for HCFC – remaining seats are available here
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
