The Wilmington Hammerheads Stadium
Wilmington is awarded its first professional sports team, The Wilmington Hammerheads. Founded by Al Pastore, the team competes in the USISL. After a 7-8 record in the regular season, the Hammerheads lose in the semifinals of the playoffs.The Hammerheads undergo a Sophomore Slump. Although they finished with a better record of 9-9 in the newly renamed D3 Pro League, they fail to make the playoffs.A changing of the guards; in March of 1998 Bill Rudisill, Bruce Cavenaugh, Dr. Dale Boyd and David Schroeder assume leadership of the club. The team finishes fifth in the South Atlantic Division of the D3 Pro League, with a record of 8-10.
A season of new beginning for the Hammerheads as the club moves its games to Legion Stadium and current head coach, David Irving is hired. Irving guides the team to a 12-0 start. The Hammerheads finish the season 14-4, losing in the conference final.
"It is a thrill to be a part of bringing the Wilmington Hammerheads back to Legion Stadium and to the Wilmington fans," said Rudisill, who will be joined by partners Dr. Clyde Harris, Cindy Harris, Dr. Mario Basegoda and Dr. Sara Borcherding. "The Hammerheads are very much a part of our local culture and it is our hope that you will support us again as you did before."
Founded in 1996, the Hammerheads enjoyed a great deal of on-field success, reaching the playoffs in 10 of 14 seasons and capturing the 2003 USL Second Division title. They also pulled off some memorable upsets in the U.S. Open Cup, knocking off MLS sides Dallas Burn in 2003 and Chicago Fire in 2009.The Hammerheads are a locally owned professional soccer franchise founded in 1996. Competing in the United Soccer Leagues, the Hammerheads have grown to be an internationally recognized organization. The team currently plays in the American Division of the USL Pro League, in the second tier of pro soccer in the United States. The team is coached by David Irving and plays in the same division as regional rivals Charleston (S.C.), Charlotte, Orlando and Richmond (Va.). All home games are played at Legion Stadium.
The Hammerheads Organization strives to bring quality, affordable family entertainment to Wilmington and the surrounding areas. In past seasons, the Hammerheads have hosted several Major League Soccer Teams, including DC United, the New York Red Bulls, and the English Premier League's Sunderland AFC. The Hammerheads have had success on a national level in the past, winning its league championship in 2003 and defeating MLS franchises in the 2003 and 2009 US Open Cup.
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