Everett advances downtown outdoor event center plan as residents, labor back project

The Everett City Council heard a detailed update on April 15 about the proposed Everett Outdoor Event Center — a downtown, multiuse venue designed for the AquaSox, a United Soccer League team and community events — and took first readings on ordinances to fund design work and to authorize acquisition of an additional parcel for the site.

Mayor Franklin framed the project as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to create jobs, attract investment and free the school district’s Funko Field for youth athletics. City staff told the council the venue is planned for roughly 5,000 seats, will use artificial turf and a retractable pitching mound to switch between baseball and soccer, include an urban festival street and on-site team support spaces, and be ADA accessible.

At a public comment segment, several residents and stakeholders urged the council to move forward. Reese Denhouse, an Everett resident, urged the council to “go to bat for the residents of Everett and build us a stadium we can be proud of,” citing a city estimate that the venue could generate up to $85 million in business revenue and about $1 million a year in combined city and county tax revenue. Charles Burgess, representing Laborers’ Local 292, said the union will staff construction and supported the project as economic development. Tammy Dunn, executive director of the Snohomish County Sports Commission, said the new facility would allow Everett Community College and regional high school and college championships to be hosted locally.

City project staff outlined the near-term schedule and conditions for full Council approval: advance to 100% construction documents, acquire the majority of required property this summer, draw down a $7.4 million state grant the mayor will be authorized to sign, and present a final funding and construction contract for Council action in August. Staff said the teams have committed $17 million in capital contributions, agreed to a 30‑year lease with rent escalators and revenue-sharing provisions, and will operate and maintain the facility day to day; the city would retain responsibility for periodic major capital needs and contribute to a capital fund.

Budget and funding remain a major focus. Staff presented a $120 million total project budget composed of roughly $66 million in hard construction costs (including a loaded contractor fee), about $9.7 million in soft costs, and approximately $35 million for property acquisition after appraisals came in higher than initial estimates. Staff said the project currently anticipates covering a portion of bond proceeds with direct stadium revenues (ticketing, parking, naming rights) and is working to close an estimated 21% financing gap before presenting a final funding plan; alternative bond programs and federal rail-related financing options are being explored.

Councilmembers pressed staff on operations, parking and city overhead. Staff recommended hiring at least one dedicated city staff member to oversee lease compliance and major capital planning; police, fire and event-support costs would still apply. Staff said existing access under Pacific Avenue would be maintained and enhanced pedestrian connections to the Everett Station area are planned.

The Council did not vote on the construction package on April 15; members set third readings on related ordinances (including the funding amendment and parcel acquisition) for April 29 and will review a detailed pro forma and full funding plan in June and July before an August decision. The presentation also noted the project includes community-use days and a target of 50 city event days within the lease commitments.