ICC and Balise Auto Group Celebrate Rugby Field Ribbon Cutting

West Springfield, MA – On September 6, 2025, board members and staff of the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England (ICCWNE), West Springfield City officials, and the leadership of the Balise Auto Group gathered at 429 Morgan Road for a ribbon cutting for the newly named Balise Field at the ICCWNE.  

The Balise Auto Group recently made a 5-year commitment to support the ICCWNE’s $2 million Capstone Capital Campaign. Funds from the campaign are being used to complete the Community Performance Center, which will serve the needs of the greater region for concerts, events, and private functions. Notably, the Community Performance Center will provide a home for local, regional, national, and international performance groups, making it a full-scale regional base for Irish heritage and culture as well as a center for cross-cultural collaboration. 

The Balise Auto Group’s donation also includes the naming of the playing field. 

Members of Balise Auto Group attending the ribbon cutting ceremony were Jeb Balise, President & CEO, Alex Balise, Director of Marketing, and Ben Sullivan, COO.

“My daughter, Alex, and I are proud to be part of something special here,” said Jeb Balise. “The Irish Cultural Center plays a meaningful part in making our diverse West Springfield community such a special place to live, and the renovations being made will bring even more people together in this beautiful and welcoming space.”

Balise Field is used as the home field for the Springfield Rifles men’s and women’s rugby teams, as well as one of the playing fields for the West Springfield Youth Soccer Club. The location has become a hub for community sports, as well as introducing spectators to rugby. 

“We are truly thankful to the Balise family for their remarkable generosity,” said Caroline Morrissey, ICCWNE Executive Director. “Their support ensures the Irish Cultural Center continues to grow as a place for culture, sport, and community. It is an honor to be here today and name our Rugby Pitch and Soccer Field after Balise Auto in recognition of their lasting impact.”

Also attending the ribbon cutting were West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, ICCWNE President Sean Cahillane, Executive Vice President Ed Sullivan, Co-Executive Vice President Kevin O’Connor, Treasurer Stephanie Joyce, and board members Will Carey and Bill Flaherty.

Ed Sullivan is looking forward to many years of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and community involvement at the Balise Field. 

“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with the Balise family and their tremendously respected brand. Their contribution will ensure many generations of youth and adults will have access to these community-centered facilities,” Sullivan said. 

Members of the Springfield Rifles Women’s Rugby Club and Hartford Women’s Rugby Club, who had played a match at the Balise Field earlier in the day, joined in the ceremony, while the Springfield Rifles Rugby Club were practicing for their afternoon match against the Cape Cod Rugby Club.