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Everett council narrows stadium project to downtown site; vote advances design work
Summary
After months of study and public testimony, Everett City Council voted unanimously Dec. 18 to select a downtown site for a proposed multipurpose stadium, a decision that narrows but does not finalize funding or construction. Council members said further financial analysis and private-partner commitments are required before construction contracts are approved.
Everett City Council voted Dec. 18 to select the downtown alternative as the preferred site for a new multipurpose stadium intended to keep the Everett AquaSox in the city and open the door to potential United Soccer League (USL) partnerships.
The council’s decision was a site selection only — not a commitment to issue bonds or award construction contracts — and passed by unanimous roll call after hours of presentations, public testimony and council questions. Council President Don Schwab presided over the session.
The project now moves to a progressive design‑build phase intended to produce detailed designs, firm cost estimates and negotiated financing terms. Staff and the Stadium Fiscal Advisory Committee (SFAC) told council the committee’s core fiscal guidance is to “right‑size” the initial phase, maximize private investment and avoid new levies or local tax increases.
Why it mattered: The choice between renovating the school‑district–owned Funko Field and building a new facility downtown turned on projected net revenue, private‑partner commitments and long‑term economic impact. SFAC chair Fred Safstrom told council only about 19% of AquaSox ticket buyers are from Everett and stressed the regional draw of the team; consultants said the downtown location offered greater private funding potential and higher net revenue capacity.
What supporters said: Public commenters and business proponents argued a downtown stadium would generate more year‑round revenue, spur adjacent development and support youth sports and tournaments. Ben Frans of Stafford Sports and other consultants highlighted opportunities tied to a potential USL affiliation.
What critics raised: Property owners and nearby businesses urged caution, citing concerns about freight and service access, the loss of on‑site parking, traffic and impacts on historic buildings. Several commenters asked staff to ensure business access and freight routing are protected in detailed designs.
Council discussion and safeguards: Council members pressed for more detailed pro forma analyses, clearer commitments from private partners and answers about how operating shortfalls would be covered. Staff and consultants said those analyses will be developed during the design‑build procurement and negotiations; they emphasized that the council will have multiple “off‑ramps” and cannot approve final construction contracts without detailed financial vetting.
Votes at a glance: The resolution selecting the downtown alternative (Item 21) was moved by Council Member Bader, seconded by Council Member Moran, and approved by roll call; all council members present voted yes.
Next steps: Council will return in January to authorize procurement of a progressive design‑build team and will receive progressively more detailed financial and design information through the first quarter. Staff said they expect clearer private‑partner commitments and refined pro forma revenue estimates as negotiations proceed.
Quotes: SFAC chair Fred Safstrom said the group’s review found “19% of AquaSox ticket buyers come from the city of Everett,” and urged the council to consider the regional market. Mayor Franklin told the council the decision is “an opportunity to make an investment, an infrastructure investment that has a return on that investment.”
The site selection narrows the city’s focus to downtown design, financing and neighborhood mitigation, but it leaves open the ultimate financial decision: council members will vote separately before any construction contract is awarded.
