Garland Moves Forward with $71 Million Multi-Purpose Soccer Complex

Garland is moving forward with plans for a $71 million multi-purpose soccer complex that will serve as a training ground for the region’s new United Soccer League franchise.

Garland City Council approved a lease for the soccer fields, authorizing the city manager to negotiate and the mayor to execute the lease agreement.

Location and Management

The eight-field complex will be located on approximately 65 acres at President George Bush Turnpike and Holford Road.

The facility will be maintained and managed by Atlético Dallas and its affiliated youth academy under a long-term lease agreement. Garland is expected to consider a lease for a planned multi-purpose building next month, city officials said.

Amenities and Features

The franchise’s training facility is the heart of the planned project. Amenities include:

• A “show pitch” with artificial turf and seating for 2,000 spectators
• Hybrid and natural turf fields for training and youth academy play
• A 28,000 square-foot multipurpose building to house team offices, locker rooms, physical therapy and dining facilities, a team store and more
• Restroom and concession buildings
• Futsal courts
• A public park-style plaza with trails

Additional Development Opportunities

The site also includes 14 acres of adjacent commercially zoned land that could be used for a hotel, apartments or future retail. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and finish in 2027.

Lease Agreement and Funding

The team would lease the property from the city, which owns the entire site, in a 20-year agreement, said Atlético Dallas chairman and founder Matt Valentine.

Terms include a $75,000 yearly price tag for the soccer fields with a 2.5% escalation annually. Another $350,000, and the greater of 10% of net sponsorships or $50,000 annually would be paid for the multipurpose building.

The $71 million price tag also includes road and infrastructure work.

Previous Action and Future Plans

Garland has taken previous action related to the project, including design contract approval and associated funding mechanisms through the city’s capital improvement program, city officials said.

The complex will support year-round programming, including recreational and competitive leagues, tournaments and training sessions, city officials said.

Atlético Dallas and the MoneyGram Soccer Complex

Atlético Dallas will play its inaugural season in 2027 and play its home games at Dallas’ Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Dallas City Council also approved an agreement with the franchise to lease the MoneyGram Soccer Complex, terminating a contract it once held with FC Dallas — the city’s Major League Soccer team.

Atlético Dallas will lease MoneyGram for three to five years, and the city of Dallas will maintain scheduling control for five of the youth fields. Valentine said the team plans to use both the Garland and Dallas complexes.

The team’s professional and youth teams will train in Garland, while some of its youth teams will train at the MoneyGram facility. Programming at the 120-acre, 19-field MoneyGram complex will remain similar to its current state, Valentine said.

“We can use both complexes long term,” he said. “Our goal in this whole process is to grow the game across Dallas County.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the $71 million multi-purpose soccer complex in Garland is a significant development for the region’s soccer scene. With its state-of-the-art amenities and long-term lease agreement, the complex is expected to support year-round programming and provide a training ground for Atlético Dallas and its affiliated youth academy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the location of the soccer complex?

A: The eight-field complex will be located on approximately 65 acres at President George Bush Turnpike and Holford Road.

Q: Who will manage the facility?

A: The facility will be maintained and managed by Atlético Dallas and its affiliated youth academy under a long-term lease agreement.

Q: What amenities will the complex feature?

A: The complex will feature a “show pitch” with artificial turf and seating for 2,000 spectators, hybrid and natural turf fields, a multipurpose building, restroom and concession buildings, futsal courts, and a public park-style plaza with trails.

Q: How much will the complex cost?

A: The $71 million price tag includes the cost of the soccer fields, multipurpose building, and road and infrastructure work.

Q: When is construction expected to begin and finish?

A: Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and finish in 2027.