The city of Garland is putting the skids on a $71 million soccer complex planned to host a USL Championship soccer team.
The city stopped the project after years of negotiations, determining it would not reap adequate dividends from the development, which was set to be the training facility for the newly-minted Atlético Dallas USL Championship team.
“The City of Garland has made a difficult decision to stop negotiations with Atlético Dallas for the planned soccer facility at the intersection of Holford Road and the President George Bush Turnpike,” it said in a statement on Thursday. “The City believes under the proposed deal structure there would not be a large enough return on its $70.87 million investment.”
Renderings of the proposed soccer complex in Garland no longer moving forward.
City of Garland
D-FW Real Estate News
The terms of the proposed deal stipulated that the team would lease the complex from the city under a 20-year agreement for $75,000 per year, with a 2.5% annual escalation. It would also be obligated to manage and maintain the facility.
“For nearly two years, we worked with City of Garland leaders on a vision to bring a professional training facility, new community soccer fields, and surrounding development to Garland. Twice, the project earned City Council approval, and twice, we believed we were moving forward together,” team co-founders Matt Valentine and Sam Morton said in a joint statement.
“It is disappointing to share that this project will not move ahead. Despite our efforts to adjust the scope and funding, including offers to increase private investment, the city has decided to terminate the project,” the statement said.
Atlético said offers to privately fund parts of the project and ease the city’s burden were rebuffed.
The club noted it is evaluating new site locations closer to the Cotton Bowl, where it will play its games in 2027.
“Despite this change of plans, the club remains committed to the families in Garland and to supporting local community organizations and youth soccer programs,” it said in the statement.
Garland plans to continue readying the site for “high-quality development” with infrastructure upgrades funded by the 2019 Bond, including the reconstruction of Holford Road.
It also plans to pursue a destination attraction at the site, potentially including a soccer complex, with backing from the 2025 Economic Development Bond.
“It’s really important that we make the right financial decisions now to set our future, and ultimately our community, up for success,” Garland Mayor Dylan Hedrick said in a statement. “We are committed to being good stewards of public funds and will ensure any investment not only provides lasting value for our residents and businesses but also strengthens Garland’s position as a destination and economic driver.”
The city noted the parcel at the intersection of Holford Road and the President George Bush Turnpike is “well-positioned to attract mixed-use development that could bring new retail, commercial amenities, housing options and long-term economic growth.”
Representatives for the city of Garland and Atlético Dallas did not respond to a request for additional comment by publication time.