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Friday, Mar 29, 2024
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Soccer Club Picks USC Over Valley

Despite efforts by San Fernando Valley business leaders to lure a new professional soccer team and stadium to the region, the new Los Angeles Football Club has announced it plans to build its new home at the site of the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena near USC. Owners of the Major League Soccer franchise, which will join the league in 2018, unveiled plans for the 22,000-seat stadium on Monday. The project, designed by downtown architectural firm Gensler, will include more than 100,000 square feet of new development including restaurants, office space, a conference center and a world soccer museum, according to a statement. The Valley Industry & Commerce Association had tried to convince the team’s owners that the Valley would be a suitable home for a new club based on its population demographics and available real estate. VICA had several stadium sites in mind, including the old Rocketdyne facility on Canoga Avenue and Victory Boulevard in Warner Center, California State University Northridge and Valley Plaza in North Hollywood. But LAFC opted to plant its flag in Exposition Park, long-rumored to be the preferred destination. “We are committed to making our home in South Los Angeles and to be part of the phenomenal development happening along the Figueroa corridor that extends to downtown Los Angeles,” said Henry Nguyen, head of LAFC’s ownership group, in the statement. The ownership group also includes Lakers great and Dodgers co-owner Earvin “Magic” Johnson, athletic wife-and-husband duo Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra, and entertainment mogul Peter Guber, who is also co-executive chairman of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.

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