LAFAYETTE, Colo. - Pittsburgh's Founders Field has provided the setting to countless USA Rugby events over the past two decades - and for good reason. The home of the Pittsburgh Harlequins, the Mid-Atlantic club hosting the eastern portion of the May 21-22 National Quarterfinal and Semifinals of Club Championships, has the amenities begging for postseason rugby and a facility worthy of other teams' admiration.
Blessed with 12 acres of playing surface, including the two full-length rugby pitches supporting Club Playoffs, Founders Field is equipped with lighting and LED scoreboards. Bleacher seating is available for 1,500 people, but rugby fans that want a view from the clubhouse should plan to arrive before kickoff. The jewel of Founders Field is the two-story clubhouse that includes a viewing deck for about 100 lucky spectators.
The plush makeup of Founders Field not only benefits fans in attendance, but the athletes, as well. The competitive rugby pitches are consistently kept in ideal form, and locker rooms are on site so players can get in and out of their kit to comfortably enjoy the rugby when they are not playing.
Founders Field's pristine pitch conditions will be crucial later this month when 20 teams over five divisions compete for five places at the June 4-5 USA Rugby Club Championships at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colo.
"The Pittsburgh Harlequins are excited to host the 2016 USA Rugby Emirates Airline Men's & Women's Club National Playoffs at Founders Field, said Matt Rosemeyer, executive director for the Pittsburgh Harlequins. "It is an honor to have the top rugby talent compete here as they chase a national title.'
Seasoned rugby campaigners competing in top-level club competitions are not the only athletes to step between the lines at Founders Field. The Pittsburgh Harlequins Rugby Football Association, a non-profit organization that is as old as Founders Field itself, introduces rugby to local inner-city neighborhoods. During the 10-week program, youth groups are welcomed to Founders Field to have their own run on Pittsburgh's historic rugby pitches.
One-half of the Men's Division I, II, and III, as well as the Women's Division I and II Quarterfinals will be competed May 21 at Founders Field. Consolation matches will make up half of May 22's action, while the winning sides from Saturday will play the following day in Semifinal fixtures to determine which teams advance to the June 4-5 USA Rugby Club Championships.
