Last Updated: 2004/08/31

New Britain, CT
by David Litterer

New Britain is a modest sized city (approx, 70,000 people) about 20 miles southwest of Hartford, the state capital, too far away to be a suburb but a quick drive away. New Britain is host to a number of manufacturing companies including the Stanley Works. The city is conveniently located close to major interstates so getting to the stadium is easy.

The New Britain Red Sox have been a major farm club for the Boston Red Sox for many years and play adjacent to the Connecticut Wolves’ soccer stadium. Central Connecticut State University is located here and their various sports teams have shown success through the years.

A major diversion downtown is the New Britain Museum of Fine Art, featuring displays in American history. Nearby in Hartford one can visit the Mark Twain House and the Wadsworth Athenaeum, a major regional art museum.
The Hartford/New Britain area has had a number of pro and semi-pro teams in past years. The first pro team on record was the Hartford Americans who played in the original American Soccer League in 1927. Later, the North American Soccer League fielded the Hartford Bicentennials from 1975-76 (who moved to the south of the state for 1977). The second American Soccer League has boasted the Hartford Kings (1964-1968), Connecticut Yankees (1975-1978) and Connecticut Wildcats (1973-74).

Connecticut Wolves*
The Connecticut Wolves were founded in 1993, as a member of the Premier League of the USL. In 1995 they advanced to the D3Pro League, and the Select League in 1996. From 1997-2001 they were in the A-League (Division 2), but were relegated in 2002. The team has struggled throughout its existence, only breaking .500 in 2002. But fan support has been very strong despite the team’s struggles on the field. The Wolves have distinction as being the only municipally run team in the USL. For several years the Connecticut Lady Wolves played in the W-League, but they folded in 2001. Over the years, nine Wolves players have advanced to play with Major League teams.

Veteran’s Memorial Stadium
635 South Main Street
New Britain, CT 06050

Capacity: 8,850
Field: 120 X 72

Colors: Home: White
Away: Blue, Red

Honors: None

Directions: From Interstate 91, take Exit 22N (Route 9 north). Exit left onto Exit 24. After 100 yards, take first exit for “Willowbrook Park”. General stadium parking is straight ahead.

From the Airport: From Bradley International Airport, follow the exit signs for I-91, and then hear south on I-91 (continue from directions above)

Tickets: Adults, $8.00; Children $5.00

Refreshers:
The usual basics consisting of burgers, hot dogs, sodas, popcorn, candy, all reasonably priced.

Club Merchandise: Scarves, team t-shirts, game worn away jerseys.

Fan Culture: Very good crowds, often 400 - 1,200. Crowds can be fairly quiet for their size but they whoop it up for a good play or a score. PA announcers do a good job of trying to keep the audience lively.

Media Coverage
In Print: Bristol Press (http://www.swire.com)

On the Air: No regular radio or TV games.

On the Web: http://www.ct-wolves.com

Around Town

Bars & Pubs
El Pedagito Restaurant & Bar
New Britain
(860) 225-2526

La Rosa’s Restaurant & Sports
146 East St , New Britain
(860) 225-6187

Restaurants
Café Sicilia
1 Grove Street, New Britain
(860) 225-1815

Coqui Restaurant
516 Main Street, New Britain
(860) 826-5442

Fatherland Polish Restaurant
450 South Main Street, New Britain
(860) 224-3345

Guy’s Place
224 South Main Street, New Britain
(860) 224-7883

Hotels & Accommodations
Ramada Inn
65 Columbus Road, New Britain
(860) 224-9161

Team Hotel:
Ramada Inn
400 New Britain Avenue
Plainville, CT 06062
(860) 747-6876

* On November 23, the city of New Britain voted to drop the team. So it’s future depends on them finding a new owner within the next 60 days)

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