Fresno FC‘s search for a new facility could lead it to the Monterey peninsula, as the club and Cal State Monterey Bay are discussing the potential renovation of a former track and field stadium.
After two seasons of play, USL Championship’s Fresno FC is expected to relocate because of facility issues and the lack of progress toward obtaining a new stadium in Fresno. The club has played at downtown Fresno’s Chukchansi Park–a Minor League Baseball facility that first opened for the Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) in 2002–since its 2018 launch, but a soccer-specific stadium is reportedly needed to ensure the club’s long-term stability and Fresno FC owner Ray Beshoff stated earlier this week that the organization’s investment group “will almost certainly be relocating the team.”
One option that is emerging is CSU Monterey Bay, which is located in Seaside. In that scenario, Fresno FC and the university would strike an agreement that includes the renovation of a former track and field stadium for the club. Beshoff and CSU Monterey Bay have confirmed that discussions are taking place, but it remains to be seen if the idea will come to fruition. A deal has not been reached at this point and, given the timetable expected for renovations, the earliest that the club would play at the overhauled facility is 2021. More from KSBW 8:
A spokesman for CSUMB confirmed the university is in talks with the soccer club owner.
Beshoff says it would be a shared deal with the university and he would anticipate roughly a year of stadium renovations before play can begin.
“I think it’s a terrific area I really love the soccer enthusiasm that get in Salinas so Monterey would definitely be one of my top choices and so right now that’s where we’re leaning,” said Beshoff.
If a deal can be reached Beshoff says he would bring his team to Monterey county for the 2021 season.
Currently the facility is paved over, and used by the university for graduation ceremonies.
Image courtesy Fresno FC.
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