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.