From the SF Recreation and Park Department:

Professional Soccer Secures Home at Kezar Stadium as Board of Supervisors Approves Landmark Agreement

$10+ million in upgrades will transform historic stadium for community use while welcoming Golden City Football Club

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a transformative agreement that will bring professional men’s soccer to Kezar Stadium – and with it, more than $10 million in infrastructure improvements that will serve the entire community for decades to come. 

The legislation, co-sponsored by Mayor Daniel Lurie and Supervisors Bilal Mahmood and Myrna Melgar, allows the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department to enter a 15-year permit with Golden City Football Club (GCFC), with three optional five-year extensions. Under the agreement, Kezar will become the permanent home of GCFC’s future matches, and the team will also practice on other fields managed by the department. 

“This announcement is more than just a new team – it represents a new era for San Francisco sports. The new GCFC team will bring new life to Kezar Stadium and the neighborhoods around it, and investments in the stadium will benefit the whole community,” said Mayor Lurie. “From business and retail to sports, it’s a good time to bet on San Francisco. I’m thrilled the Board of Supervisors has approved this agreement and am excited to partner with MLS NEXT Pro to bring a new team to our city.”  

But the impact of this deal goes far beyond soccer. 

The agreement requires GCFC to invest a minimum of $10 million in Kezar Stadium – the most significant capital investment in the facility in a generation. These improvements will touch every corner of the stadium and benefit the full range of users, from student athletes to neighborhood walkers: 

• A brand-new natural grass field with modern irrigation – the first major field upgrade in more than 25 years. 
• New seats and bleachers to replace every existing seat, improving safety and comfort for spectators. 
• State-of-the-art sound system and high-definition LED scoreboard – adding new vitality to events of all kinds. 
• ADA accessibility improvements, including upgraded restrooms and seating to make Kezar welcoming for everyone. 
• A revitalized press box and enhanced concession areas, benefiting both amateur and professional events. 

These improvements will be funded entirely by GCFC as part of the public-private partnership.   

“We’re thrilled to welcome GCFC to their new home here in District 5 and look forward to the energy, joy, and community this will foster in our neighborhood,” said Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who represents the Haight neighborhood. “This deal isn’t just an investment in Kezar, it’s an investment in our communities – from creating good union jobs to new opportunities for our local small businesses, the community is excited about this historic partnership.” 

Importantly, community and school athletic access to Kezar will remain fully intact. The stadium will continue to host beloved traditions like the Turkey Day Game and Bruce Mahoney rivalry, as well as track meets, youth soccer, and football games. Kezar will remain the home field for Mission and Sacred Heart Cathedral high schools. 

“This isn’t just about a professional team coming to town, it’s about making one of San Francisco’s most iconic public spaces shine for everyone who uses it,” said Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. “Whether you’re a high school football player, a weekend jogger, or a fan in the stands, these improvements will create a safer, more accessible and more enjoyable Kezar for all.” 

GCFC plans to join MLS NEXT Pro, the developmental league of Major League Soccer, and will begin play at Kezar in 2026 or 2027. 

“We are incredibly excited and honored to bring professional men’s soccer back to San Francisco and to call the iconic Kezar Stadium our home. We’re grateful for the partnership with the City, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, and MLS NEXT Pro in bringing this vision to life,” said Golden City Football Club Cofounders Geoff Oltmans and Marc Rohrer. “We look forward to investing in Kezar’s future and creating a vibrant, inclusive space that will inspire athletes, fans, and the entire community for generations to come.”  

Kezar Stadium, which opened in 1925, was originally home to the San Francisco 49ers and has long served as a venue for sports, concerts, political rallies and everyday recreation. With this historic agreement, it enters a new chapter – revitalized, reimagined, and reaffirmed as one of San Francisco’s most treasured civic spaces. 

For more information about Golden City Football Club, visit goldencityfootballclub.org.