(Editor’s note: This is the 10th installment in a weekly series spotlighting Rhode Island FC and Centreville Bank Stadium from a business perspective throughout the 2025 United Soccer League Championship season. To read past stories in this series, click here.) PAWTUCKET – Within Centreville Bank Stadium’s north end are three relics of the city’s and,
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THE MULTI-COLORED blue seating around Centreville Bank Stadium's lower bowl emulates ripples in the ocean, a nod to Rhode Island's connection to the water, according to stadium officials. / PBN PHOTO / JAMES BESSETTE[/caption]
But installing the three seats from the now-demolished former PawSox home was part of Rhode Island FC’s overall plan to incorporate unique elements and features honoring the Ocean State in and around the 10,500-seat stadium. One of those seats even has an old PawSox sticker attached to it.
Plus, one notable McCoy summer tradition shifted its way from Columbia Avenue onto the banks of the Seekonk River.
Paul Byrne, Centreville Bank Stadium’s general manager, recently told Providence Business News that when he first arrived in Rhode Island when construction on the new venue started, he met many people who alluded to their many experiences at McCoy and their allegiances to the PawSox. He also heard loud and clear their disappointment about the PawSox’s departure five years ago after five decades of playing baseball in the state – including having one noteworthy 33-inning affair in 1981.
From that, Rhode Island FC’s ownership, Byrne said, made it a point that the incoming soccer club should give the Ocean State its proper due with its overall design, including the stadium. First, 
THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET'S July 4 fireworks, synonymous with McCoy Stadium for generations, are now launched over Centreville Bank Stadium. A record crowd of 10,734 attended the July 5 Rhode Island FC match/fireworks display. / COURTESY RHODE ISLAND FC[/caption]
Plus, the city skies at Centreville Bank Stadium lit up on July 5 – literally. The city partnered with Rhode Island FC and Rhode Island Energy to hold the July 4 fireworks celebration that were once a McCoy staple for decades at the soccer stadium following the club’s 1-1 draw against Birmingham Legion FC.
And there wasn’t an empty seat in the house. The July 5 match/fireworks show drew 10,734 people to the venue, setting a new attendance record in the process. The previous high was the May 3 home opener, which brought 10,700 people through the stadium gates.
“It is important to continue to pay homage to the legacy that was here and we hope to continue on that legacy,” Byrne said.