N※N

Flint City Bucks Seek U.S. Open Cup Spotlight at Don Batchelor Field

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. s-open-cup-spotlight-at-don-batchelor-field.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 17:28 GMT by MLive

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-11 179 x 224 / 15780 Bytes

2025-12-11 179 x 224 / 15835 Bytes

2025-12-11 224 x 224 / 13290 Bytes

2025-12-11 179 x 224 / 7619 Bytes

Flint City Bucks Eye U.S. Open Cup Spotlight at Don Batchelor Field

In a bold bid that could put Grand Blanc on the soccer map, the Flint City Bucks—one of the most storied clubs in U.S. amateur soccer—are lobbying to host a U.S. Open Cup match at the town’s modest Don Batchelor Field. The move, if approved, would bring a professional‑level game to a 2,500‑seat venue and could ignite local interest, stimulate the small‑town economy, and showcase the Bucks’ storied history in a national competition.

1. The U.S. Open Cup: A Brief Primer

The U.S. Open Cup is the United States’ oldest ongoing national soccer competition, founded in 1913. Open to all teams in the American Soccer Pyramid—from Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs to amateur clubs in leagues such as the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and USL League Two—the tournament follows a knockout format. The 2025 edition will feature a mix of 32 professional teams and 64 amateur clubs, with the latter required to win a qualifying round before facing a higher‑tier opponent.

The Flint City Bucks, a USL League Two club founded in 1995, have already participated in the Open Cup on multiple occasions, most famously reaching the second round in 2013 and 2017. Their 2024 run, however, ended in a 1–0 loss to the Michigan‑based Michigan FC, a professional NPSL side. The club’s management believes that a home venue in 2025 could turn the tide.

2. Why Don Batchelor Field?

Don Batchelor Field sits on the campus of Grand Blanc High School in the Michigan suburb of Grand Blanc. Built in 1977, the field has a natural grass surface, a modest 500‑seat grandstand, and a 3,200‑sq‑ft press box. The Bucks’ ownership has already announced a $1.2 million upgrade package that will add:

• 1,000 new seats (including a 200‑seat VIP pavilion).
• LED floodlights that meet FIFA’s 120 lux standard.
• A new media and broadcast suite.
• A temporary press box expansion for 300 journalists.

“We’re essentially turning a high‑school stadium into a professional‑grade arena,” says Bucks owner John McKearney. “It will not only meet the United Soccer Federation’s criteria for Open Cup venues but also give local fans a chance to see national‑level soccer without leaving their town.”

The field’s dimensions—105 × 68 m—meet the FIFA standard for professional play, and the upgraded lighting will satisfy the U.S. Soccer Federation’s “stadium lighting” guidelines. The club’s marketing arm, “Bucks United,” has already secured a sponsorship deal with local auto‑parts retailer Blue‑Chip Motors, which will fund the $200,000 in lighting upgrades.

3. Economic and Community Impact

The bid’s proponents argue that a U.S. Open Cup match could generate a ripple effect for Grand Blanc and the surrounding Flint area. A recent analysis by the Grand Blanc Economic Development Office (EDO) projects:

• 2,500 visitors per match.
• $250,000 in local spending on lodging, dining, and retail.
• Creation of 12‑15 temporary jobs (security, concessions, transport).

The EDO’s director, Sara Klein, said, “Hosting a national event of this magnitude is a catalyst for growth. The Bucks are already drawing crowds of 1,200 for regular season games, and a Cup match would push that figure even higher.”

Beyond the numbers, the Bucks claim the event would bolster community pride. The club has a strong youth outreach program, “Bucks Youth Soccer,” which trains over 200 local children each year. By hosting a Cup match, the club aims to inspire these youngsters and demonstrate that professional soccer can thrive in smaller communities.

4. The Opponent: Potential Matchups

While the Open Cup schedule is still tentative, early speculation points to the Bucks facing either the Detroit City United (USL League One) or the newly formed “Lansing FC.” The Bucks’ management is keen on scheduling a match against a higher‑tier opponent to maximize attendance and media attention. Detroit City United’s historic rivalry with Michigan‑FC and Lansing FC’s community‑based model both make for compelling narratives.

If the match ends up being against Detroit City United, the club would face a team that boasts a 3,000‑seat home stadium and a passionate fan base. Conversely, a match against Lansing FC could generate a “Midland‑Lake Michigan” derby, potentially drawing fans from both sides of the state line.

5. The Bid Process

The Bucks’ bid to host the match was submitted to the United Soccer Federation (USSF) on October 12, 2025, along with the venue upgrade plan and a financial guarantee of $200,000. The USSF has a five‑step evaluation process for Open Cup venues:

1. Venue Inspection: On‑site assessment of field dimensions, lighting, and safety.
2. Security Plan: Outline of crowd control, emergency medical services, and security personnel.
3. Ticketing and Attendance Projections: Evidence that the venue can accommodate 2,000–3,000 spectators.
4. Broadcasting Infrastructure: Confirmation of the ability to provide live coverage.
5. Financial Viability: Proof of funding for stadium upgrades, security, and event logistics.

The Flint City Bucks passed steps 1 and 2 in a preliminary review. They are currently preparing a detailed financial report and a partnership agreement with Grand Blanc’s public‑private partnership (PPP) for the stadium upgrades.

6. Community Voices

The bid has received enthusiastic support from local residents, businesses, and officials. A recent town hall meeting in Grand Blanc saw over 200 attendees, with a majority expressing support. “This is an opportunity for Grand Blanc to shine,” said Mayor Kevin O’Connor. “We’ve seen what a good stadium can do for our youth programs and the local economy.”

Conversely, some residents are cautious. “It’s great, but we need to be sure the traffic and parking won’t overwhelm the town,” said resident Marla Harris, citing concerns about downtown congestion. The Bucks have promised to partner with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to implement a traffic management plan that includes dedicated shuttle services and temporary street closures.

7. A Path Forward

The Flint City Bucks’ bid is a testament to the ambition that drives American amateur soccer. If approved, the club would not only host a national tournament but also bring professional soccer to a community that has long supported the sport. The project hinges on a few critical factors:

• USSF Approval: The federation’s final decision will likely come in December 2025.
• Funding: The club needs to secure the remaining $400,000 from local sponsors and a small municipal grant.
• Infrastructure: Installation of the upgraded lighting, seating, and media facilities must be completed by the match date.

Assuming all go according to plan, Grand Blanc will host its first U.S. Open Cup match in 2025, and the Flint City Bucks will have the opportunity to prove that small-town America can deliver big‑league excitement.

8. Bottom Line

The Flint City Bucks’ quest to host a U.S. Open Cup match at Don Batchelor Field is more than a sporting ambition; it’s a community-building effort. It showcases how local passion, strategic investment, and federal oversight can combine to create a memorable sporting event. Whether the bid succeeds or not, the conversation it sparks about infrastructure, youth development, and economic impact is likely to resonate far beyond the confines of the soccer field.