December 5th, 2013, at El Pomar’s Penrose House, the United Soccer Leagues Pro awarded Ragain Sports an expansion franchise for Colorado Springs, CO. Tim Holt, USL President, outlined the state of league and the growth that’s taking place because of its successes and the new agreement between the USL Pro and MLS. The 2013 USL Pro Championship game was the most successful ever as it saw 20,000 spectators fill the lower bowl of the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FLA. Wonderful work done by Orlando City Soccer and the Charlotte Eagles. By 2015, the USL Pro division expects to grow dramatically as it anticipates every MLS team either affiliate or field their own USL Pro team. Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach voiced his support of the new franchise while speaking at the press conference emphasizing the need to “attract and retain young professionals”. Creating an environment of excitement, growth, and opportunity will not only attract young professionals but businesses as well. Mayor Bach went on to speak about how the City for Champions project will be a great opportunity for this franchise and others to engrain themselves in this community. Team Owner and Governor, Martin Ragain, was the final presenter at the press conference and spoke about his dream of not only owning a sports franchise but having a family business. Mr. Ragain is the President of a successful engineering firm based in Denver with offices around the World. The opportunity to participate in a growing USL Pro league and partnering with a City that has the vision to grow via the City for Champions has allowed him to marry his passion for sports and family with a viable sports franchise. Ragain Sports will be playing at Sand Creek Stadium adjacent to Security Service Field (Sky Sox home) for the near term with the goal of being the primary tenant in the planned City for Champions downtown stadium.
