Expansion Los Angeles FC (LAFC) has made some major strides of late, announcing plans for its new training facility and achieving a ticket sales milestone.
On Wednesday, LAFC revealed its plan to construct a headquarters and training facility that will be located on the campus of Cal State LA. The plan, which has been approved by the California State University Board of Trustees, is for LAFC to invest $30 million in improving Cal State LA’s existing soccer venue and build a training facility that will serve its MLS club and the youth development team LAFC Academy.
The training facility will include a natural grass surface practice field, along with locker rooms, offices, and sports medicine centers. LAFC has also pledged $1.5 million to the university.
“Cal State LA is the perfect home for our team, and this plan affirms our commitment to building our future with the youth of Los Angeles,” LAFC Club president and owner Tom Penn said in a statement. “We look forward to developing world class players and talent for decades to come at Cal State LA, which has a history of elevating the communities it serves.”
“This project will create a great deal of excitement on our campus and will connect Cal State LA to partners who share a commitment to our students,” Cal State LA president William A. Covino said in a statement. “The benefits of this partnership to Cal State LA and the region we serve will surely multiply over time.”
While the new training facility marks a major stride for LAFC, good news has also surfaced on the premium sales side. In advance of its opening in 2018, LAFC has sold out its inventory of premium seating at Banc of California Stadium.
The new facility is slated to feature numerous levels of premium seating, and ticket buyers have responded in a big way. More from The Los Angeles Times:
After 12 weeks the LAFC sold out of its premium inventory, which included 1,974 club seats, 32 suites and 49 loge boxes. Prices ranged from $588 to $105 per match. Tours for general admission seats are now underway.
“There has been a huge fascination and interest in being part of something from scratch,” LAFC owner and President Tom Penn said. “We felt like we were coming in at the right time. There is just a surge in interest in soccer.”
Banc of California Stadium is being constructed on the site of the former Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. More details about the facility have surfaced of late, as it was recently revealed that it will include a safe standing supporters section. LAFC will play its first MLS season in 2018.
Rendering courtesy LAFC.
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