Less than 24 hours after Major League Lacrosse announced it would cease operation of the Dallas Rattlers for the 2020 season, it unveiled a new team Tuesday morning — also marking the league’s return to Connecticut.

The Connecticut Hammerheads will host games at Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium, a facility built in 2015 on the campus of Fairfield University. Former Rattlers head coach Bill Warder will fill the same position with the Hammerheads.

Play for the 2020 season will begin May 30. The last MLL team to operate in Connecticut was the Bridgeport Barrage, who played in Connecticut from 2001-03 before relocating to Philadelphia from 2004-08. The Barrage folded prior to the 2009 season.

“We are thrilled to bring the first major professional team to Fairfield,” MLL commissioner Alexander Brown said in a statement. “MLL enjoyed a tremendous experience hosting a 2016 semifinal game at Fairfield, and we know that Fairfield University offers our athletes, fans and partners the ideal viewing experience. With a growing national spotlight in our sport, Connecticut seemed a perfect fit to host the next MLL team.”

In Monday evening’s announcement, it was revealed that former Rattlers players are “contracted with the league and will be a part of a new Major League Lacrosse franchise.” With Warder in the fold, it stands to reason that the Hammerheads are that team.

Rafferty Stadium is a 3,500-seat venue that features state-of-the-art-sound and lighting and a FieldTurf playing surface. The facility contains a Daktronics HD video board, two VIP suites and a press box that features a large media suite. On the ground level, fans will enjoy a full array of food and beverage concessions and exclusive Hammerhead merchandise.

Warder has served as a coach in Major League Lacrosse for 12 years. In that time, he was the assistant coach for the 2008 MLL champions and was named the 2018 MLL Coach of the Year.