Everett council hears detailed briefing on proposed $82 million outdoor event center, approves initial funding ordinances for planning and property work

The Everett City Council on Wednesday received an extended briefing on the proposed Everett Outdoor Event Center, a downtown mixed‑use stadium and event venue that project leaders said would cost about $82 million to deliver and could be funded through a mix of private contributions, county support and bond financing.

The update came from Scott Pattison of city staff and Ben Franz of SOJ, who described program development with a progressive design‑build team, firming lease negotiations with the Everett AquaSox and the United Soccer League (USL), and next steps including advancing design to 60% and continuing property acquisitions. Pattison said the project team is asking the council to approve three first‑reading ordinances that would create a special project fund, amend the budget for planning and acquisition costs, and authorize acquisition authority including eminent domain if necessary.

City staff and the project team laid out why the downtown site was selected, how program choices and field orientation were shaped to minimize property acquisitions and earthmoving costs, and the revenue assumptions that underlie the financing plan. “This is not just about sports. It's about community, opportunity, and growth,” Scott Pattison said, describing the venue as a “vibrant hub” for concerts, festivals and other…