Fort Worth City Council approved a zoning change on Tues., Aug. 9 to make way for a potential soccer stadium + residential and commercial developments.
During the city council meeting, Travis Clegg, a principal with Peloton Land Solutions, told the council that development at the site has been a long time coming, but is still in the planning stage as officials look to provide a regional approach to amenities in the area.
⚽ The background
Last year, Austin Bold FC announced new ownership and relocation to another major Texas city. Fort Worth is a contender for the relocation + partnered with Keller ISD in hopes of building a new 10,000-seat soccer stadium on the northeast corner of I-35W and Basswood Boulevard — about 10 miles north of downtown.
🏟️ The stadium
The proposed facility would be home to Austin Bold FC and a USL women’s team. If the city is selected, Fort Worth would be one of the inaugural cities to host a professional women’s soccer team in a new USL Super League.
The facility would also be home to a soccer development academy managed by a “prominent European soccer club” — meaning, students would be taught by top talent.
💸 The logistics
The complex would cost about $150 million through a partnership with the city, Keller ISD, and private developers. Keller ISD would also gain access to the complex, similar to Frisco ISD’s partnership with The Star.
The city is also considering an additional 10-field complex to help support the soccer academy + other additions including:
- A performing arts center
- A 1,200 + 200-seat theater
- A 4,000-sqft dance floor
- A private commercial + residential development
🏆 The benefits
Jason Sands, the Vice President of Sports at Visit Fort Worth, said the complex could bring in 100,000 visitors and $16 million annually to the city. He also estimates that youth sports is a $24 billion per year market.