Kezar Stadium Will Get $10M Upgrade to Bring Back Pro Soccer

Jorge L.
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Kezar Stadium to Get $10M Upgrade to Bring Back Pro Soccer
photo via @onlyinsf / Instagram

San Francisco is preparing Kezar Stadium for a major comeback. The city approved a $10 million renovation plan that will allow Golden City Football Club (GCFC) to call the historic stadium home. This new team will join Major League Soccer’s MLS Next Pro league, aiming to start play by 2026 or 2027.

The city’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to give GCFC a 15-year stadium use permit, with two additional five-year renewal options. In return, GCFC will pay for all stadium upgrades before their debut season kicks off. Here’s what the renovation will include:

  • A natural grass field with modern irrigation
  • Updated seating areas
  • A high-definition LED scoreboard
  • New sound and PA systems
  • Renovated press box and concession stands
  • Fully accessible restrooms and ADA-compliant access points

Despite the changes, Kezar will stay open for public use. City officials confirmed the stadium will still host high school football, summer camps, recreational events, and the annual Turkey Day Game.

GCFC’s founders, Geoff Oltmans and Marc Rohrer, are focused on building a lasting soccer presence in the city. They believe this partnership will help create a long-term future for professional soccer in San Francisco.

However, not everyone is celebrating. Community-run teams like San Francisco City FC worry the new agreement could limit their access. GCFC’s permit grants exclusive use for up to 15 matches each season. Ian Blackley of SF City FC warned, “There is precedent of MLS clubs dropping out of nowhere and killing smaller clubs with a fan base.”

The renovation could begin by late 2025. If construction stays on schedule, fans will be able to cheer for GCFC at Kezar by the following year.

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