For Immediate Release
(Central Jersey) Real Central NJ Soccer announced today that it will be playing its home matches at Ben Cohen Field on the campus of Rider University for its May through July 2023 Women’s Premier Soccer League and USL League Two season. With a new turf playing surface, convenient location, and extensive amenities, the club is excited to provide players and fans with a high-quality game day experience.
“We’re excited to be able to offer the game day experiences for our fans and sponsors that Rider University facilitates,” said the club’s chief marketing officer Jeremy Ryan. “Being at Rider University allows our fans and sponsors to have a complete experience, including food and beverage options, and VIP hospitality areas. We are confident the move will create an even more lively atmosphere.”
The club is planning fun and interactive pre-match, half-time, and post-match experiences for fans and business supporters. Also, each match will feature food options for purchase and semi-private corporate hospitality. Parking is directly next to the ticket entrance as well.
"We are proud to welcome Real Central NJ to campus," said Rider's Vice President of Facilities and University Operations, Mike Reca. "Fans will have a great opportunity to see these talented athletes up close while visiting Rider's beautiful Lawrenceville campus."
News of the relocation comes on the heels of the club announcing it is working with the United Soccer League (USL) to explore the potential of bringing professional soccer to Central Jersey. The current pre-professional team rosters primarily consist of collegiate players during the summer months. But that doesn’t make the competition or the club’s goals any less lofty for fans.
“Fan and sponsor feedback showed the desire for a hospitality area and more accessible food options,” said club partner Ira Jersey. “We want our fans and business partners to have the best experience possible and hosting matches at Rider’s facilities allows us to implement our fans’ feedback.”
“As we prepare for our third season in USL2 and WPSL, we continue to invest in the player experience to ensure the highest quality of pre-professional soccer. With Rider’s ongoing improvements to Ben Cohen Field, including a recently installed turf surface, we are confident the players will appreciate the quality of an NCAA Division I home field,” said club partner Ben Chrnelich.
The Real Central NJ Soccer programs are independently owned and operated, and Real Central NJ Soccer is not affiliated with Rider University. The club spent its first seasons at Mercer County Community College, playing 23 home regular season and playoff matches for its women’s and men’s teams. The club appreciates the staff and facilities at the college who showed great professionalism as the club launched its pre-professional teams.
WPSL, USL2, and Complete season memberships for the upcoming season are available now at Real Central NJ Soccer's website.
Photo credits: Ben Rowe and Jeremy Ryan