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Staff seeks operator for Holford youth soccer complex; construction expected to start Sept., play in spring 2028
Summary
Staff presented the Hunden study for a proposed Holford youth soccer facility, reported projections of about 240,000 annual visitors and large long‑term economic impacts, and said staff is negotiating with Sports Development Group and Eastern Sports Management as operator partners with a target contract by June.
City staff walked the board through the Hunden partner study for a proposed youth sports development at Holford Road and Bush Turnpike and described near‑term steps to secure an operator.
Matt (speaker 2) summarized the study and current negotiations: "They were projecting about 240,000 visitors coming to that site annually," he said, adding the study estimated nearly $1,000,000,000 in net new economic activity over a 30‑year horizon and a direct city impact of "108" (as stated) spread across that period. Staff said the Hunden figures are based on earlier assumptions tied to a professional/minor‑league soccer anchor that has since changed; staff is pursuing a youth‑anchored model and has an RFP out for operators.
Staff update and timeline: Matt said the city is negotiating with a consortium led by Sports Development Group partnered with Eastern Sports Management to handle tournaments, programming and facility operations; construction is anticipated to begin in September with the goal of first leagues playing in spring 2028. Staff recommended returning with a post‑contract overview of operator services and updated pro‑forma economic impacts once the operator contract is finalized.
