Golden City FC Secures Deal to Bring Professional Soccer to Kezar Stadium
Golden City Football Club (GCFC) is poised to make its mark in San Francisco, as the city’s historic Kezar Stadium prepares to welcome professional soccer. The announcement came from Mayor Daniel Lurie, who confirmed the signing of legislation that finalizes the agreement for GCFC to join the MLS Next Pro league.
Starting in either 2026 or 2027, GCFC will compete in this third-tier league, which serves as a developmental platform for aspiring soccer talent, often linked with Major League Soccer franchises. The club will operate independently within the league framework.
As part of the agreement, GCFC will invest $10 million into stadium enhancements and has secured a 15-year permit for stadium use, with options for three additional five-year extensions. This commitment underscores the club's dedication to creating a lasting presence in the community.
Last month, Lurie unveiled plans for the team’s arrival in collaboration with the city’s Recreation and Parks Department, which will also facilitate training at various city facilities. The Board of Supervisors unanimously endorsed this initiative last week.
"Today it's official: Golden City FC will become the newest professional team to call our city home," Lurie stated. "This investment is truly an investment in the people of San Francisco and represents a new era for San Francisco sports."
Co-founders Geoff Oltmans and Marc Rohrer expressed their enthusiasm, stating, "We are deeply grateful and incredibly excited to officially call Kezar Stadium GCFC's long-term home. This is a tremendous milestone for our club, and it wouldn't have been possible without the broad support of the San Francisco community."
GCFC will join The Town FC as the second Bay Area team in the MLS Next Pro league. The Town FC is affiliated with the San Jose Earthquakes and plays its home games at Saint Mary's College in Moraga.
The planned upgrades at Kezar Stadium include a new natural grass field, enhanced seating and bleachers, a high-definition LED scoreboard, improved ADA accessibility, and renovations to press box and concession areas. These improvements aim to elevate the fan experience and ensure the stadium meets modern standards.
Located in Golden Gate Park's southeastern corner, Kezar Stadium currently hosts the San Francisco Nighthawks of the Women’s Premier Soccer League and San Francisco City FC of USL League Two. It also accommodates various amateur sports leagues and high school football games.
Originally opened in 1925, Kezar Stadium has a rich history, having hosted track and field events, auto racing, rugby, and college football before serving as the home of the San Francisco 49ers from 1946 until their relocation to Candlestick Park in 1971.
The stadium underwent demolition in 1989 and was rebuilt as a smaller venue with a capacity of 10,000 for high school sports and community events. Since 2014, it has seen additional upgrades, including thousands of seats salvaged from Candlestick Park after its closure and subsequent demolition.
