Reno Pro Soccer's Shocking Move: Why This $20M Stadium Could Change Everything!

Reno Pro Soccer has embarked on an ambitious project that could reshape the sports landscape in northern Nevada. On Thursday, the organization began demolition at the former Jones West Ford site, making way for a proposed 6,000-seat stadium. This facility is intended to host a professional men’s team in the United Soccer League (USL), a league positioned just below Major League Soccer (MLS) in the American soccer hierarchy.

The new stadium, set to be named "The Boulevard," will not only serve as a home for Reno's USL team but will also be part of a larger entertainment district. This development will include a variety of amenities such as bars, restaurants, a 301-room hotel, and a locally operated small-establishment casino, which will be run by Dean DiLullo of the Carson Nugget. This comprehensive vision aims to create a vibrant community hub, enhancing the area’s appeal both for locals and visitors.

Wendy Damonte, CEO of Reno Pro Soccer, highlighted the next steps in the project, stating, “We anticipate meeting with the planning commission and the City of Reno to secure all of our approvals. Once that happens, we hope to break ground on this development, built by locals for locals, in October or November of this year.”

According to current plans, the project will cost approximately $80 million for the stadium alone. When factoring in the broader entertainment district, the total investment could exceed $200 million. Reno Pro Soccer is actively seeking private funding for the project, with Damonte asserting, “So far, it's completely private and we're really proud. We are going to do what's best for our community.”

As the project progresses, Reno Pro Soccer aims to gather community input to shape the team's identity, including its name, colors, and matchday experiences. The organization has secured rights from the USL to own and operate a club that will begin play in 2027, coinciding with the expected completion of the stadium.

In addition to enhancing local entertainment options, the initiative is projected to create over 1,100 new jobs upon its completion. The project also promises to include flexible community spaces that can be utilized for various events, meetings, and gatherings. Furthermore, there will be more than 1,200 parking spaces to support accessibility and accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors.

The projected timeline for this transformative project includes a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony planned for later this year, provided all approvals are granted. As Reno Pro Soccer continues its efforts, community engagement will be essential to ensure the development aligns with local desires and expectations.

For those interested in following the project or wanting to provide input, updates can be found at renoprosoccer.com. As Reno gears up for pro soccer, the excitement is palpable—both for the sport and the economic opportunities it may bring to the region.