MASL AND HARRISBURG HEAT RELEASE JOINT STATEMENT

The Major Arena Soccer League and the Harrisburg Heat are releasing the following joint statement regarding the future vision for the Harrisburg Heat:

The Harrisburg Heat have agreed to relocate to the Hersheypark Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania. As the MASL continues to improve arena standards and focus on expansion, Hershey will provide and exceed all of the minimum standards. In addition, Chocolate World and other venues will be open during the season to offer additional benefits for fans.

The Heat remain in good standing with the MASL and are a valued and historic franchise. The Heat are excited and supportive of the MASL and fully support the expansion and future plans discussed in this week’s Member’s Meetings.  

As the league has passed the desired deadline for arena dates, and the new management at the former facility for Harrisburg has not provided dates, the Heat and MASL have mutually agreed  and with the full support of the MASL, that Harrisburg will temporarily move to M2 for this season, as the dates from Hershey will only work with the M2 schedule. The Heat will then return to the MASL the following season with a full schedule in Hershey. 

"While disappointed in the inability to obtain dates, it opened the door for our talks with Hershey to renew," states Heat CEO Carl Delmont. "For our players, an improved facility  is exciting. For our fans, this provides a great history, atmosphere and more seating. For our staff, it is rewarding to be welcomed with open arms and a collaborative mindset!"

"The MASL is focused on growth and the Hershey brand supports this endeavor. We are excited for the future and returning to M1 next season" adds Delmont.  

“We applaud Carl Delmont, Kevin Healey and the Harrisburg Heat for working closely with the MASL to determine the best path forward for their team, fans, and community,” said Commissioner Keith Tozer. “Faced with the challenge of securing dates while also sharing in the owners’ commitment to new professional standards, the Heat’s management stepped up and found a solution—transitioning to M2 and Hershey for the 2025-26 season.“

Although this development happened in the last 72 hours, Harrisburg is very happy with the results as this opportunity will allow the MASL to expedite the schedule and allows M2 to balance a bracket while building a great relationship with a phenomenal brand. 

We are excited for the Harrisburg fans, the Hershey arena and for the Heat to help the M2 and a strong return to M1.