Centerville Bank Stadium....Not the 1st or only Soccer Specific Stadium in New England........

While RIFC are prepping for the Grand Opening of shiny new Centerville Bank Stadium let's revisit history. Not only is CBS@TL not the only SSS in New England its definitely not the 1st either. Matter of fact there once stood a hallowed ground in the Ocean State with a deeply rooted and rich history, Marks Stadium.

Marks Stadium was built in the early 1920's and housed Fall River FC also known as the Fall River Marksmen. The Stadium was named after Sam Mark who won a bid over Fall River United to head the American Soccer League's Fall River franchise.

Mark chose to build in North Tiverton, Rhode Island. He built in Tiverton so that games could be held on Sundays, which at the time in Massachusetts you could not do.

Marks stadium hosted 2 National Challenge Cup (US Open Cup) finals. In 1925 and 1946. The Stadium also hosted high profile friendlies with clubs such as Scottish prem giants Rangers, Celtic, and Kilmarnock. Argentinian side Velez Sarsfield also traveled to Marks Stadium to play.

Although most matches drew roughly 1k spectators, as you see in the above photograph crowds of 13-15k occurred as well.

Marks Stadium was demolished in the 1950's and is now a vacant lot.

Although Marks Stadium's fate ended sadly, Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, Massachusetts is still flourishing. Lusitano is now home to USL 2 side Western Mass Pioneers and Women's side New England Mutiny.

Lusitano Stadium's charm and welcoming environment is endearing to Footy fans young and old. With a fully functional concession stand serving traditional American and Portuguese faves be sure when attending you have room for food.

Lusitano Stadium was built in 1918 and has served as the heart of the Ludlow community for over a century. The ground has 1 main pitch, which was resurfaced in 2013. Just outside of the Stadium there are 2 more grass pitches which host Western Mass Pioneers academy teams.

Lusitano Stadium has hosted massive matches in the past including friendlies vs Everton FC, Jonkoping FC of Sweden, and many pro clubs from Portugal.

Most recently the club hosted 2 US Open Cup matches between the New England Revolution and Chicago Fire.

The Eusebio statue which greets you as you enter Lusitano Stadium is a fan fave and the chef's kiss to an awesome Footy experience.

So as Centerville Bank is set to open, don't be fooled by Footy history erasure as New England has housed and continues to house some of the most historic, and iconic Footy Grounds this nation has ever known..........

Photos Courtesy of the Providence Journal, David Humphreys, Jocelyn Santos, and Fall River Marksmen.