A large crowd of fans, city officials, and season ticket holders gathered at “The Joe” on Tuesday afternoon in anticipation for the stadium’s re-opening ribbon cutting ceremony.

Mayor Tommy Battle was the first to address the crowd.

A look at the newly renovated “Joe Davis” stadium that will play host to HCFC’s inaugural home game this Friday, May 19 at 7:00

“We have evolved to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a vibrant hub for a wide range of events and activities that will enrich the lives of our everyday citizens,” Battle stated. “The rejuvenated Joe marks a significant milestone in the growth and development in our investment in a world class John Hunt Park with the stadium’s upgraded infrastructure and enhanced amenities. This collective effort has re-birthed the facility that will serve as a source of entertainment and a catalyst for economic growth and community engagement.”

Ian Ayres, President of Huntsville City FC (HCFC), also spoke at the ceremony.

“I grew up in Liverpool in England and was CEO of the Premier League soccer team Liverpool for 10 years, and the reason I mentioned that is because the stadium there has been around for about 130 years. So I can’t imagine what it must feel like to be part of something as historic as today to be around when your team gets its first stadium for its first professional soccer team and be part of that,” Ayres exclaimed.

“It’s important that everyone here today will remember that as you grow older, as your kids grow up, that you were here on that momentous day when this stadium opened,” continued Ayres. “And the thing about the stadium is it really is for us, for the team, for the players, for the fans. It’s the spiritual home of the team.”

And while the most exciting aspect of the newly renovated stadium is that the new soccer club, HCFC, is kicking off its home opener tomorrow at 7:00, the stadium will have several other uses. Sports Commission Executive director Mark Russell delivered his remarks that elaborated on the stadium’s other potential uses.

“We have been talks of hosting college football here and with the size and features of the stadium, we think it’ll be a great experience for athletes, coaches and fans,” he explained. “In addition, we have big ideas for youth in college soccer tournaments. Our vision is to have a large tournament that starts over at Mary Mac, works its way to John Hunt Park and ends up in Wicks family Field for this championship.”

“How cool would that be? The stadium is ideal for college lacrosse. We’ve already hosted college lacrosse conference championships and this will serve our growing lacrosse community and it’ll also be just right for rugby and ultimate Frisbee. It will serve us all,” continued Russell.

“The Invaders” have landed and are ready to root for HCFC’s inaugural home match

The excitement in the air could be felt from the hundreds of people decked out in HCFC gear. Some stood out more than others, like the official Huntsville City FC fan clubs who all showed up together, showing off their custom gear and chanting the cheers that will become a game tradition.

HBJ was able to talk with Brandon Kelley of one of the clubs, The Invaders, and learn more about the fan clubs.

“So the Invaders started back in September and started gaining members and gaining ground immediately. We are a family based organization trying to support the community and soccer in the city. There are two other supporter groups, Fubar, which is more military based, and then Soccer Knights, which are another supporter group. We’re all gonna come together to chant the supporter section and make it as awesome as we can,” said Kelly.

In an interview with HBJ, Huntsville City FC President Ian Ayres said that clubs like these and all the other fans will definitely make a difference for a club that has only played in front of opposing crowds so far this season.

“The home advantage is so strong in this league and in MLS as well. So strong that I think in MLS something around 20 to 25% of teams win on the road,” the former Liverpool CEO explained. “You have a real strong advantage to get more and more points once you start playing here in front of the the home crowd. I mean we sold out Friday and you know, that’s a big difference right, to most games. And the players are excited cause they make a difference usually,” he continued.

“They’re very excited about it and you know, if you look at this place , it’s great to get to see it and to be a part of it and I’m sure they’ll get that buzz that we all got in Nashville when they got their first game and you know, so long may that continue. But having your home stadium and player homes a huge advantage,” Ayres concluded.

During the ceremony, the club also unveiled the home uniforms that the club will wear.

The kit is inspired by space exploration past and celebrates a launch upward to the future of sports in the Rocket City and the future of the talented players who wear these colors on the pitch.

A look at Huntsville City FC’s inaugural home jerseys for the 2023 season

The deep blue of the kit is shared with parent club Nashville SC as a reminder of the deep connection of the two organizations. As a continued partner for Nashville Soccer Club, Huntsville’s home kit features the Renasant Bank logo on the front. The iconic “N” monogram and soundwave of Nashville SC appears above the player’s name on the back.

Also featured is a badge celebrating the inaugural launch of the club in the Rocket City. Featuring the star iconography rocketing upwards, this one-of-a-kind badge is worn on the kit’s right sleeve. The lower left corner features HCFC set on an iconic checkerboard pattern. The pattern is inspired by Saturn I, the celebrated rocket born into space exploration history in Huntsville.

The club will play it fist home game, which is already sold out, on Friday May 19th. For more information about future games and how to get tickets, visit https://www.mlsnextpro.com/huntsvillecityfc.