By Lyle Weems, Staff Writer
As the Northside continues to expand, a new plan for a sports complex and social center sets solid roots as a promising plan for Riverside.
Over the past few years the Northside of Riverside has received much of city developers’ focus as an increasing amount of construction plans are proposed and populations increase. The Northside Specific Plan aims to stimulate economic growth, attract new people, and create opportunities for diverse recreation, entertainment, and housing. In this case, a proposal for a combined sports complex and entertainment district aims to rejuvenate the vacant 56 acres that had previously been used as AYSO soccer fields. Greg Scott, the lead developer GCS Development and main developer of the proposed Riverside Sports and Entertainment District, wishes to create a regional destination for numerous sports and community events. The 200 million dollar plan was unanimously approved by the Riverside city council and will hopefully “break ground within 12-15 months,” according to him. With a hope for opening between 2027 and 2028, this complex will begin to truly take shape soon.
The proposal for the complex will be able to be used for different sports which is highlighted by an expandable multi-use stadium of 15,000 seats for soccer, football, and other sports for year-round use. The Plan also calls for a 108 room hotel, a live venue area for concerts and events, a game complex for activities such as pickleball, and 6 multi-sport fields for community use. Finally, the design also includes affordable residential housing buildings, totaling 1,148 units, almost 200,000 square ft for shopping and dining businesses, recreational areas, and extensive parking. This will become a true new community center for Riverside, promoting connection, pride, and acting as a home base for games of all levels. From CIF and rivalries, to local children of the neighborhood and workers, all will be welcomed.
Now can Riverside really support a soccer team? According to Scott, who is working directly with the United Soccer League to develop a team, Riverside County has a population size significant enough to ensure the success of a professional soccer team. Not only that, but the demographic of the county has a strong student base of over 40,000 throughout educational levels. There also exists thriving sports programs both within and outside of campuses, of which soccer is the most popular. Scott argues that these factors prove “Riverside has the fan base, talent pool, and the demand to support a professional team.” To ensure long-term financial strength and sustainability, a strategy of mixed funding from private capital, development financing, and state and federal grants will be needed.
Riverside at its core is impressive in its seemingly innate ability to evoke pride and a sense of identity from its inhabitants. Now there is a sentiment of concern revolving around the rapid renovation of Riverside, especially concentrated in the Northside area. Prices and population only continue to increase every year. However, this complex aims to create new jobs and internships in sports and entertainment fields, opportunities for local businesses, and rally the community behind a professional team. Beyond that, it will provide local source entertainment to Riverside citizens, avoiding long commutes to Los Angeles and Orange County. The creation of a local professional team allows for city partnerships, and opportunity for local athletes to go pro, promising inspiration for the next generation.
Not only does this complex have plans to benefit the city economically, but it should help individuals of the community flourish in their businesses and schooling. Ultimately, the complex promises to be a powerful engine for civic pride and opportunity, lifting city morale as teams – and community spirit – flourish.