Introduction to the Soccer Complex Project
The city of Garland has decided to stop a $71 million soccer complex project that was planned to host a USL Championship soccer team. This decision comes after years of negotiations between the city and the team, Atlético Dallas. The city determined that the project would not generate enough revenue to justify the investment.
Background of the Project
The proposed soccer complex was intended to be the training facility for Atlético Dallas, a newly minted USL Championship team. The team had planned to lease the complex from the city under a 20-year agreement for $75,000 per year, with a 2.5% annual escalation. The team would also have been responsible for managing and maintaining the facility. The project had earned City Council approval twice, but the city ultimately decided to terminate the project due to financial concerns.
Reasons for Terminating the Project
According to the city, the proposed deal structure would not have generated a large enough return on its $70.87 million investment. The city believes that it is essential to make the right financial decisions to set the community up for success. Despite efforts by the team to adjust the scope and funding, including offers to increase private investment, the city decided that the project was not viable.
Reaction from Atlético Dallas
Atlético Dallas expressed disappointment at the city’s decision to terminate the project. The team had worked with city leaders for nearly two years to bring a professional training facility, new community soccer fields, and surrounding development to Garland. The team noted that offers to privately fund parts of the project and ease the city’s burden were rebuffed. Despite this setback, the club remains committed to the families in Garland and to supporting local community organizations and youth soccer programs.
Future Plans for the Site
Garland plans to continue readying the site for "high-quality development" with infrastructure upgrades funded by the 2019 bond, including the reconstruction of Holford Road. The city also plans to pursue a destination attraction at the site, potentially including a soccer complex, with backing from the 2025 Economic Development Bond. The city believes that the parcel at the intersection of Holford Road and the President George Bush Turnpike is well-positioned to attract mixed-use development that could bring new retail, commercial amenities, housing options, and long-term economic growth.
Evaluation of New Site Locations
Atlético Dallas is evaluating new site locations closer to the Cotton Bowl, where it will play its games in 2027. The team is committed to finding a new location that will allow it to achieve its goals and support the local community.
Statement from Garland Mayor
Garland Mayor Dylan Hedrick stated that it is really important to make the right financial decisions now to set the community up for success. The city is committed to being good stewards of public funds and will ensure that any investment provides lasting value for residents and businesses and strengthens Garland’s position as a destination and economic driver.
Renderings of the Proposed Soccer Complex
Conclusion
The city of Garland’s decision to terminate the $71 million soccer complex project is a significant setback for Atlético Dallas and the local community. Despite this, the team remains committed to finding a new location and supporting local community organizations and youth soccer programs. The city plans to continue readying the site for high-quality development and pursuing a destination attraction, potentially including a soccer complex. The future of the site and the team’s plans are still uncertain, but one thing is clear: the city is committed to making the right financial decisions to set the community up for success.
FAQs
Q: What was the proposed soccer complex project in Garland?
A: The proposed soccer complex project was a $71 million development that was intended to be the training facility for Atlético Dallas, a newly minted USL Championship team.
Q: Why did the city of Garland decide to terminate the project?
A: The city decided to terminate the project because it determined that the proposed deal structure would not generate a large enough return on its $70.87 million investment.
Q: What are Atlético Dallas’s plans now that the project has been terminated?
A: Atlético Dallas is evaluating new site locations closer to the Cotton Bowl, where it will play its games in 2027, and remains committed to supporting local community organizations and youth soccer programs.
Q: What are the city’s plans for the site now that the project has been terminated?
A: The city plans to continue readying the site for high-quality development and pursuing a destination attraction, potentially including a soccer complex, with backing from the 2025 Economic Development Bond.
Q: How will this decision affect the local community?
A: The decision to terminate the project may have a significant impact on the local community, as it was expected to bring new retail, commercial amenities, housing options, and long-term economic growth to the area. However, the city is committed to making the right financial decisions to set the community up for success, and the team remains committed to supporting local community organizations and youth soccer programs.
