*NGB headquarters moving to Glendale with Infinity Park set to host future national team test matches and assemblies
GLENDALE, CO – USA Rugby and the City of Glendale have collaborated on a new partnership where the National Governing Body will relocate its headquarters to Glendale and establish Infinity Park as the official National Training Center for the Men’s and Women’s Eagles XVs. The partnership additionally includes use of Infinity Park as host venue for select USA test matches each year. Instituting Infinity Park as the National Training Center falls in line with the City of Glendale’s redirection toward direct development of the national rugby pathway. As USA Rugby and Infinity Park come closer together, combined resources and missions will open doors for rugby progress even beyond the National Team level.
- USA Rugby and the City of Glendale agree to new partnership where the NGB headquarters will move to Glendale, Colorado and assign Infinity Park as the National Training Center for USA Rugby Eagles XVs.
- Infinity Park to be preferred host venue for Men’s and Women’s National Team XVs test matches.
- Partnership aligned as part of the city’s redirection toward national rugby development, builds foundation for USA Rugby sustainability and mission towards progress.
“The City of Glendale and Infinity Park have been great partners with USA Rugby and we hope to strengthen the relationship moving forward,” noted USA Rugby CEO, Ross Young, “The ongoing reform of the organization requires USA Rugby to redevelop a sustainable operating model where we are grateful the city is open in support.”
As part of the partnership, Infinity Park will become the preferred host venue for Men’s and Women’s test matches with subsidized facility usage, supporting the opportunity for reinvested funds into those events and programs. In addition, USA Rugby will continue to host international and domestic events in multiple markets and key areas across the country. The Men’s and Women’s National Team XVs will additionally have unparalleled year-round use of the Infinity Park rugby facilities where team assemblies, training camps and individual athlete access will provide a home base for the Men’s and Women’s Eagles. The Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, CA will, however, continue to be headquarters for the Men’s and Women’s Eagles Sevens teams.
“This partnership with USA Rugby further confirms Glendale’s commitment to the sport of rugby, and specifically, to the development of US players,” stated Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon, “We created RugbyTown USA to be the center of excellence for rugby, and we are excited to partner with USA Rugby in realizing that vision.”
Furthering the goal of national rugby development, the well-established youth programs at Infinity Park will begin to see new investment through the partnership. USA Rugby National Team athletes will have increased opportunities to interact, inspire and coach young rugby hopefuls during assemblies and events. Infinity Park and USA Rugby look forward to building a recurring curriculum around these opportunities.
Glendale City Manager Linda Cassaday added, “Our intent is to continue to build our youth program with more camps and more in-school development programs for both boys and girls. Our commitment to the sport of rugby has not changed, but our focus will now shift from a local to national perspective.”
USA Rugby, along with other International Unions, has witnessed an unprecedented time in the sport and culture. In an effort to strengthen the rugby values through partnership, USA Rugby is committed to furthering its diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives, which are aligned with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, World Rugby and other sport governing bodies. USA Rugby will be initiating several diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives in conjunction with the Men’s and Women’s National Teams’ presence in the area.
“We look forward to using this partnership to foster the talents of our elite players and grow rugby through inclusive programs progressing long term success of the sport.” noted USA Rugby Independent Director, Julie Lau.
USA Rugby is ready to build on new foundations with the City of Glendale and Infinity Park over the coming years. Further information on upcoming USA Rugby events and activities at Infinity Park will be communicated to the public when available.
About Glendale/Infinity Park
Glendale, Colorado, a home-rule city located in the heart of the metro-Denver area, combines the best of small-town charm and urban sophistication. Home to more than 160 stores and restaurants, over 2 million square feet of office space, and just 5,000 residents, it is a vibrant part of the metropolitan landscape. In 2005, the City of Glendale set out to revolutionize and revitalize its community through the development of the first rugby-specific sports complex in the United States. Infinity Park now encompasses an eight-block area in the heart of the City and includes a 4,000-seat stadium; a 21,000-square foot, state-of-the-art event center; a 35,000-square foot recreation center; and an 8-acre park with a Reg. 22-certified turf pitch. Glendale has long supported men’s, women’s, and youth rugby programs; and Infinity Park is home to the RugbyTown Sevens tournament, the Armed Forces Rugby Sevens Championship, and the HSBC USA Women’s Sevens tournament. Visit www.InfinityParkAtGlendale.com for more information.
