This article is part of a series this week recapping the biggest moments — on and off the field — for Riverhounds SC in 2021. A new moment will be revealed each day until we hit No. 1 on New Year’s Eve. Scroll to the bottom for links to previous installments in the series.
One of the biggest developments for the Riverhounds in 2021 didn’t happen on the field.
It is the field.
Construction of the Allegheny Health Network Montour Health + Sports Medicine Center in Coraopolis went into overdrive this year, as the team prepares to move into its new indoor training facility and offices in 2022 alongside AHN’s state-of-the-art, 20,000-foot medical facility.
The complex, which will have 10 full-size fields upon completion, will give the Hounds access to brand new facilities on a par with Pittsburgh’s other pro teams. It will also be the base of operations for the Riverhounds Development Academy, giving the club’s youth players access to the very best resources as they develop on the path to the college and pro ranks.
The biggest single milestone during the construction process came on Sept. 17, when Hounds owner Tuffy Shallenberger and executives from AHN were in attendance for the raising of the final steel beam for the frame of the building. That event, also attended by government officials and local media, marked the end of the first phase of construction and put into motion a steady three-month build that has seen roofing, walls and the indoor turf be installed.
While the two existing, outdoor turf fields at AHN Montour have been in use by the RDA and pro team for years, the debut of the indoor field is expected next week when RDA winter training programs begin in the new year. The pro team will also make use of the indoor facility when their preseason camp kicks off Jan. 31.
Just as Highmark Stadium was a huge step forward in 2013 for the Hounds, who were one of the first USL teams to own their own soccer-specific stadium, the AHN Montour facility marks an exciting new chapter in the growth of one of the United States’ oldest professional soccer clubs.
More of the Best of 2021 series:
No. 5: Youth Is Served — Borso makes Pro Team debut under Academy contract
No. 4: Hats off for Russell — Cicerone nets first career hat trick in win over Atlanta
No. 3: It’s good to be King (Kenny) — Forbes takes over club’s all-time assists record
No. 2: New Home Sweet Home — Construction nears completion on new AHN Montour facility
No. 1: Hounds clinch on one Rowdy night — Victory over Tampa Bay solidifies playoff berth
