Major League Soccer expansion franchise Los Angeles FC has revealed plans to establish its headquarters and training facility on the campus of California State University, Los Angeles.
Under the proposal, LAFC would invest $30m (£23.5m/€26.8m) in the university’s stadium in order to transform it into a state-of-the-art training complex. In return, the club, which is scheduled to join MLS next year, would provide students with internships and collaborations on educational programs.
The new facility has been designed by Gensler Sports. The complex will feature a natural grass pitch, which will exactly mirror the surface at Banc of California Stadium, LAFC’s under-construction home stadium. The complex will be completely financed by the club.
“This training facility is unparalleled and uniquely Los Angeles,” said LAFC general manager and executive vice-president of soccer operations John Thorrington.
“The building itself incorporates innovative indoor-outdoor spaces and is unlike anything I’ve seen the world over. Any player will love to train at this world class facility. The central location is ideal for our academy programming, and our ownership’s investment enables us to align our soccer operation from LAFC’s MLS team to our academy.”
LAFC has also pledged to donate a further $1.5m to the university as part of the agreement.
Share this