Today the LA City Council scored a tremendous victory for the people of Los Angeles by unanimously approving the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and other environmental and entitlement agreements for the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). Fans of the Club gathered at Los Angeles City Hall and joined key club owners, elected officials and city leaders for this historic moment for the City and its local residents by showing support for a stadium development that will pave the way for jobs, revenue and the continued revitalization of South Los Angeles.
“LAFC’s promise is to unite the world’s city through the world’s game. Today, through the collaborative vision and efforts of the City Council and the people of Los Angeles, we continue to work towards that promise. Everyone has invested a tremendous amount of time, hard work, thought and energy and we are now one step closer to making our shared vision a reality,” said Henry Nguyen, LAFC Managing Partner and Owner.
“We want to thank the City of Los Angeles, Mayor Garcetti, Council President Herb Wesson, Councilmember Curren Price and the entire City Council in addition to the Coliseum Commissioners, the State of California, the California Science Center Board and our proud partner USC for their leadership and vision to help see this project through in record time,” said Tom Penn, LAFC President and Owner.
“We are excited to bring innovation and creativity to LA and deliver on our commitment to bring a state-of-the-heart experience to the community,” said Peter Guber, LAFC Executive Chairman and Owner. “Together with City leadership and City staff, we listened to and received input from the community in order to put forth a comprehensive plan that sets new standards for all future stadium projects.”
The new development, which will bring more than $250 million in private investment to South Los Angeles, will be anchored by a new 22,000-seat soccer-specific venue. The project, designed by LA-based architectural firm Gensler, will also include over 100,000 sq. ft. of new restaurants, office space, a conference center and a world football (soccer) museum. The stadium will maximize fan and player experiences, incorporating elements and best practices from entertainment and sports venues from around the world.
“L.A. is the center of the sports world — and the LA Football Club is set to become the crown jewel of Los Angeles’ rich soccer heritage,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “I applaud the City Council for approving this world-class stadium that will create thousands of good paying, local jobs and bring soccer fans the world over into the heart of our City.”
“Today we have reached yet another milestone for both LAFC and their supporters. I have been one of the Club’s biggest fans from the get go knowing that this team will unite Angelenos,” said Councilmember Curren Price, who represents the new stadium and surrounding South LA community. “I am proud to have worked with this Club to develop a thoughtful project that generates millions in new tax revenues, creates thousands of jobs for Los Angeles and provides a world-class venue to South LA.”
Over the past 18 months the Club, City, State, Coliseum Commission, the California Science Center Board and USC worked together to meet a series of benchmarks. These benchmarks included thorough environmental, entitlement and infrastructure reviews, support by the City Council, the State, LA City Planning Commissioners, Exposition Park Commissioners, Coliseum Commissioners and an agreement with USC, which is responsible for managing the Sports Arena site.
These approvals by the City Council provide LAFC formal consent to take possession of the site and proceed with the groundbreaking of the project. Demolition of the Sports Arena is expected this summer. The new facility will be ready for the Club’s inaugural season in 2018.
Earlier this year, LAFC proudly unveiled the new crest and team colors which pay homage to the rich history of Los Angeles. Hundreds of LAFC fans filled Union Station to rally behind the team for this historic event. The Club also expanded their ownership group to include actor Will Ferrell and Co-Founder of leading game company Riot Games and co-creator of global phenomenon League of Legends, Brandon Beck.
LAFC’s 27-member ownership group includes businessman and Club Managing Partner Henry Nguyen, international soccer club owners Vincent Tan and Ruben Gnanalingam, U.S. World Cup superstar Mia Hamm Garciaparra, NBA and Los Angeles legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, MLB All-Star Nomar Garciaparra, sports and entertainment mogul Peter Guber, and Club President Tom Penn.
