By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–The 2024 season saw tremendous growth for Major League Rugby both nationally and globally.
The San Diego Legion set a new Major League Rugby attendance record of 12,085 fans, surpassing their previous record of 11,423 fans in 2023. The Legion is heading into a new chapter for the 2025 season with a new head coach, John Manenti, the signing of Alejandro Pradillo; and the release of its new documentary, “Quest for the Shield.” The Legion announced a strategic venue change for the new season.
Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego will serve as a venue for most of the San Diego Legion’s regular season matches for 2025. However, playoff games may still be hosted at Snapdragon Stadium. The move back to Torero Stadium is driven by the Legion’s commitment to enhancing the fan experience with Saturday night games– all set within Torero Stadium’s intimate, fan-focused environment.
By hosting games at Torero stadium, fans can enjoy the convenience of Saturday game times, making it easier for families and working professionals to attend.
“We’re excited to return to Torero Stadium, where we have a strong history of success and a loyal fan base,” said David Haigh, CEO of the San Diego Legion. “We’re committed to creating the best experience for our fans in 2025, and we believe that Torero Stadium will offer the best venue for our fans and players.”
The Legion previously played its home games at Torero Stadium from its inaugural 2018 season through 2019. The team thrived in the intimate atmosphere, fostering a strong connection with the Legion’s dedicated fanbase. The decision to return to Torero Stadium comes in response to feedback from Legion fans who expressed a preference for attending Saturday events.
Snapdragon Stadium remains a pivotal partner to San Diego Legion and a premier sports destination for San Diego, with the addition of San Diego FC in Major League Soccer further boosting Snapdragon’s standing as a world-class facility.
“The San Diego Legion has been an incredible partner since opening Snapdragon Stadium in 2022,” said Adam Millar, General Manager of Snapdragon Stadium. “While we’re sorry to see them go, we completely understand the decision to transition to a more suitably sized venue, and we fully support the team’s evolving needs.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to Snapdragon Stadium for hosting us during an amazing 2024 season,” said Haigh. “Our partnership is important to us for the long term, and we want to continue building on our shared successes.”
The season also marks a new chapter for the San Diego Legion with the arrival of Manenti. He is a respected figure in rugby and brings years of experience from both 7s and 15s formats. His leadership is expected to elevate the team to new heights as they pursue the MLR Championship.
Fans can expect a thrilling season ahead as the Legion balances tradition with innovation while remaining focused on their ultimate goal: bringing home a Major League Rugby championship.
Visit www.sdlegion.com for more information.
