San Francisco is officially getting a professional men’s soccer team, after the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a multi-million dollar agreement. The agreement will include Golden Gate FC to invest $10 million into Kezar Stadium, located in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.
The recently approved legislation allows the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department to enter a 15-year permit with Golden City Football Club, which plans to play in the MLS Next Pro league. The team is set to start playing in the Division 3 league either in 2026 or 2027. With the agreement, Kezar Stadium will undergo multiple improvements, including a new natural grass field, new seating, a scoreboard, a sound system, and ADA accessibility enhancements. Other changes include updates to the press box and concession areas.
The stadium will be home to the Golden City FC, but will also continue to be utilized by the community for non-professional athletic events.
“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.”
Kezar Stadium has a long history in San Francisco, opening 100 years ago in 1925. The stadium has since hosted many professional sporting events over the years, including being the first home of the San Francisco 49ers. Aside from sports, the stadium has hosted many concerts, including The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, and Bob Dylan. Today, the stadium is still frequently busy, whether it’s being used by high school sports teams or joggers on a Saturday morning.
“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.”
The new agreement is an exciting development for the neighborhood, with its close proximity to numerous shops, restaurants, and bars in Haight-Ashbury and Cole Valley. It’s been an exciting year for sports in the Bay Area, with the Golden State Valkyries playing their first season, and a recent announcement that the NWSL Championship will be held in San Jose this year.
📍 Location: 670 Kezar Dr, San Francisco