Board of Supervisors, Fair Board to hold special Oct. 17 joint meeting to discuss United Soccer League proposal

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and the Sonoma County Fair and Exposition Board of Directors will hold a special joint meeting on Oct. 17 to discuss an expansion proposal from United Soccer League. The USL has expressed interest in expanding into Santa Rosa due to its growing population, strong local economy and high youth soccer participation rates. The Sonoma County Fairgrounds is being considered as a possible site for a multi-purpose stadium and commercial complex.

What: Special joint meeting of the Board of Supervisors and Sonoma County Fair and Exposition Board of Directors
When: Friday, Oct. 17, at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Saralee and Richard’s Barn, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa

“The Fairgrounds has been a gathering place for our community for nearly 150 years,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We now have an opportunity to imagine how this space will evolve into the future. A multi-purpose stadium could bring energy, jobs and investment to the site, and it’s essential that we move forward in a way that reflects community values and keeps the Sonoma County Fair at the heart of it all.”

The meeting will update the public on USL’s interest in building a stadium at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, which could host professional men’s and women’s soccer along with youth sports, concerts and community events. With the end of horse racing at the Fairgrounds, County and Fair leaders have an opportunity to reimagine the 200-acre site as a long-term hub for sports and entertainment while continuing to host the annual Sonoma County Fair.

USL is the largest professional soccer league in North America with more than 200 clubs in the United States and Canada. At the meeting, staff will share examples of comparable stadium projects in other California communities, review the timeline of discussions between USL and the City of Santa Rosa, and present possible next steps.

For more information, visit the City’s frequently asked questions page.

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Media Contact:
Matt Brown, Communications Specialist
publicaffairs@sonomacounty.gov  
(707) 565-3040 
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403