A new LA FC stadium is being proposed for the current Los Angeles Sports Arena site, as the project could end up being the most expensive privately financed soccer stadium in the United States.
Under the plan, the new LA FC stadium would cost $250 million and would open for the 2018 season. The expansion team has worked with Los Angeles officials, including Mayor Eric Garcetti, but it would require approval from the Coliseum Commission and the L.A. City Council. From the Los Angeles Times:
Construction would be financed by the team and its ownership group, which includes former Lakers Hall of Famer Magic Johnson; Mandalay Entertainment Chief Executive Peter Guber, co-owner of the Dodgers and the NBA’s Golden State Warriors; self-help author Tony Robbins; and women’s World Cup champion Mia Hamm and her husband Nomar Garciaparra, a former major league baseball all-star.
The group estimated the project would create 1,200 temporary construction jobs and 1,800 full-time jobs, generating $2.5 million in annual tax revenue. The project would be eligible for tax incentives.
“This is probably the most exciting thing coming to South L.A. in a long time,” Johnson said. “This is what the community needed. This is what the city of L.A. needed.”
The new LA FC stadium is sure to attract some discussion because of the Sports Arena link. Built in 1959, the arena was the first home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and served as USC’s home court for many years while hosting big events like Final Fours and the 1960 Democratic National Convention. But with USC moving to Galen Center and big events held at more modern venues, like the Staples Center, the economic future for the Sports Arena was bleak indeed. No significant opposition to the demolition is expected. More details will be released today.
The design is from LA-based Gensler.
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