Exploring Pro Soccer in Santa Rosa: Six-Month Update
Santa Rosa’s journey toward potentially hosting professional soccer is progressing. Six months after entering into an Exclusive Right to Negotiate (ERN), the City and United Soccer League (USL) have been evaluating the possibility of bringing men’s and women’s soccer teams to Santa Rosa. If we move forward, it will be several years before a stadium is built.
Progress Highlights:
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April: ERN presented to City Council; USL began stakeholder outreach.
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May: Roles and deliverables refined; USL started a market feasibility study.
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June: USL and City hosted community engagement events; City Council formed ad hoc committee.
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July: USL began site analysis; partnership talks started with the County of Sonoma and Fair Board.
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August: Preliminary exploration on potential stadium design, location, construction, and operations; review of similar USL projects.
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September: The City hired a consultant to advise on potential USL land use, deal structuring, financing, and partnerships; USL conducted a third stakeholder visit; key observations released from the Santa Rosa Sports & Entertainment Survey.
What’s Next: The market feasibility study should be released in October. This study will help guide next steps and inform future decisions. On Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m., the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and Fair Board will hold a joint public meeting at the Fairgrounds to discuss the City’s efforts and a potential USL partnership. Collaboration among the City, USL, and local partners will continue, with Council updates as progress is made.
Santa Rosa is taking meaningful steps toward potentially becoming home to professional soccer—stay tuned!
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