ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (March 17, 2022) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies will kick off their slate of 17 home matches in the 2022 USL Championship Season, with new and returning players, stadium fun and a renewed focus on the future — Legacy. Lives. Now.
The Home Opener will be Saturday, March 19 when the Rowdies take on Indy Eleven, 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg. Several longtime Rowdies season ticket holders will participate in a pre-game ceremony unveiling the 2021 Eastern Conference and Regular Season Championship banners to commemorate last year’s record-breaking season.
This season, 14 Rowdies players are returning, including the top four goal scorers from the 2021 season, plus seven newcomers. The Rowdies rich history dates back to 1975, first as an expansion team, and later competing as a member of the USL Championship team in 2017. With two Eastern Conference titles and one regular season championship over the last two seasons, the idea behind the club’s new slogan “Legacy. Lives. Now.” is to build on the momentum of the past and gear up for the future.
“With the success we’ve seen over the past three years, and dedication from our players and our front office staff, we are committed to putting the best soccer product on and off the field,” said Lee Cohen, President, Tampa Bay Rowdies. “We are looking forward to the returning players and new members who will help write our new legacy.”
Fans can look forward to a few new changes and additions this season:
- Youth Soccer groups will once again have the opportunity to interact with Rowdies players for on field experiences including the Rally Tunnel and private mini field practices with players and coaches.
- Impasto Italian Food Truck at the Midfield Courtyard.
- New drink specials and fireworks during select matches.
- Pick five matches that fit your schedule by purchasing the Mini-Plan.
- Premium Area Seating and VIP group ticketing options for groups of ten or more, with parking, food, beverage/bartender packages starting at $1,000 (Click here, Rowdies Party Areas for more details).
- To celebrate Women’s History Month, the Rowdies will host a special event on March 26; fans can stop in early for a panel discussion and networking opportunity featuring inspiring women in Tampa Bay sports and stay for the match when the Rowdies take on The Hartford Athletic, click here for more information.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is this year’s Presenting Partner and front of kit partner for the ninth straight season. Other partners include:
- Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, Presenting Partner of the Little Rowdies Youth Soccer Program, and upper back of kit partner for the second season
- DEX Imaging, lower back of kit partner for fourth consecutive year
- Morgan Auto Group, sleeve partner for the third consecutive year
- Microlumen, shorts partner, second year supporting the Rowdies
Below are the home games for March; click here for a complete schedule and ticket information.
Saturday, March 19, 7:30 p.m.
Rowdies vs. Indy Eleven – Unveiling of 2021 Eastern Conference and Regular Season Championship of Banners
Saturday, March 26
Women’s History Night 5 p.m. – Celebrate Women’s History Month, with a special panel featuring inspiring women in Tampa Bay, including executives from the USL League Office and the Professional Referee Organization. Click here to purchase tickets and be sure to stay for the Hartford Athletic game at 7:30 p.m. as well as post-match fireworks.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies are a professional soccer club, competing as a member of the USL Championship since the 2017 season. The Rowdies’ home stadium is Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla. Carrying on the legacy of the club’s original era, the modern Rowdies were reborn in 2010 and quickly established themselves as one of the United States’ premier soccer clubs, winning the North American Soccer League’s Soccer Bowl Champions in 2012. Since joining the USL Championship, the Rowdies have captured two Eastern Conference titles and one regular season championship. The original Rowdies began play in 1975 as an expansion team in the first NASL. From 1975-1984, the Rowdies were one of the most successful teams in the NASL, winning the Soccer Bowl Championship in 1975 and reaching the final again in 1978 and 1979. More information on The Rowdies and how to get involved can be found at www.rowdiessoccer.com.
