HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – The home of the Hartford Athletic is getting a new name. Dillon Stadium will now be known as Trinity Health Stadium.

The transition is underway for the historic stadium that promises to be more than just a sports venue.

“It’s been a longtime landmark for the community and the state. We are so proud to be continuing the legacy,” said Dr. Reggie Eadie, President & CEO of Trinity Health.

Trinity Health Stadium is now the home of the professional men’s soccer team, the Hartford Athletic.

“As you drive by and see the lights at night and the crowd, you see the energy and vitality that represents the comeback of this community,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin.

The venue has been known as Dillon Stadium since 1956 and was named after Hartford football coach James Dillon. The name change highlights the four-year partnership between Trinity Health, Hartford Athletic, and the Hartford Foundation.

“On and off the pitch, they are the guys who take care of our players from the orthopedic side and sports medicine side. It’s world-class,” said Bruce Mandell, Hartford Athletic.

The sports stadium has a lot of history to it, going back 87 years. We’ve seen minor league football teams play there and some major concerts take place, including the Rolling Stones. The Hartford Athletic and Trinity Health want to put the community first as they make their own history.

“The Dillon name is here and it will be commemorated. It’s not to let go of yesterday, it’s to expand the legacy, the great work and legacy of events that have happened right here in this stadium,” Dr. Eadie said.

Dr. Eadie says they have a lot of special events planned at the stadium, including health and wellness and child-friendly activities. They envision a place the community can come together and feel normal again.

“Listen, as we transition, fingers crossed, out of this pandemic, into an endemic, we are going to want to be outside, shake hands, and do what we did two years ago. This will be the nucleus of the cell to do just that,” Dr. Eadie said.

Hartford Athletic kicks off its season on the road on March 19 and returns home to open the doors to Trinity Health Stadium on April 2 at 7 p.m. against Atlanta United 2.