Richmond Kickers looking to invest $20 million into City Stadium

Anyone that has been to City Stadium in the past few years know that the stadium’s glory years are a distant memory. The stadium was built in 1929 and technically can hold 22,000 people. That 22,000 number is dependent on the tall bleachers being used which hasn’t happened in quite a while. There have been no major renovations or changes to the stadium since it was built–to the tune of $80,000.

It has been a serviceable home for the local professional soccer team the Richmond Kickers since 1993, making it one of the oldest operating professional soccer teams in the country. The Kickers hope to soon make some changes to their long-time home.

ORD. 2016-273 was introduced at the City Council meeting last night.

To provide for the granting by the City of Richmond to the person, firm or corporation to be ascertained in the manner prescribed by law of a ground lease on certain property located at 3301 Maplewood Avenue, known as City Stadium, and 800 Freeman Road for the construction, renovation, or reconstruction of improvements on such property primarily for use as a sports complex in accordance with a certain Deed of Ground Lease.

The lease is only part of the story as Richmond BizSense.com is reporting that the Kickers plan to spend $20 million in improvements.

While $20 million might seem like a steep commitment for a nonprofit, the organization does have four decades to hit many of the benchmarks.

The lease calls for Phase 1 of the upgrades to include around $385,000 of improvements to landscaping, fencing, the parking lot, seating, the field and irrigation, to be completed by 2020.

Phase 2 calls for an additional $3 million to improve the concourse, signage, stadium lighting, team facilities and rehabbing the restrooms by 2030.

The final phase would run through 2050 and calls for improvements in parking, a press box, additional seating, mini-fields and Futsal courts and other measures.