Mayor Lurie Signs Legislation Bringing New Professional Soccer Team to Kezar Stadium

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today signed transformative legislation to finalize an agreement with Golden City Football Club (GCFC), officially designating Kezar Stadium as the team’s home venue and securing a $10 million commitment for upgrades to the stadium that will also serve community members that use it. The agreement grants GCFC a 15-year permit to use the historic stadium, with the option for three additional five-year extensions.

The new team builds on Mayor Lurie’s work to advance the city’s recovery by activating public spaces and introducing new entertainment options for residents and visitors. Last month, he signed legislation establishing five new entertainment zones across the city that will help support small businesses and revitalize neighborhoods. The mayor also announced the return of a free concert series downtown bringing world-class headliners and vibrant local energy to the city’s most iconic places. GCFC will be the second new sports team launching in San Francisco since the start of Mayor Lurie’s administration—this spring, he welcomed the Golden State Valkyries into the San Francisco sports community.

“Today it’s official: Golden City FC will become the newest professional team to call our city home,” said Mayor Lurie. “Kezar Stadium sits in the heart of San Francisco—built in Golden Gate Park and surrounded by our city's neighborhoods and history. This investment is truly an investment in the people of San Francisco and represents a new era for San Francisco sports. Thank you to GCFC and MLS NEXT Pro for believing in this city and bringing this vision to life.”

This milestone follows last week’s unanimous approval by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors of a transformative partnership that cements Kezar as GCFC’s long-term home for home games and practices. Under the agreement, GCFC will also utilize other Recreation and Park Department fields for training.

As part of the deal, GCFC will invest a minimum of $10 million in capital improvements to Kezar Stadium—marking the largest investment in the facility in over a generation. Planned enhancements include:

• A new natural grass field with modern irrigation—the first major field upgrade in more than 25 years
• All-new seating and bleachers, improving comfort and safety for spectators
• A state-of-the-art sound system and high-definition LED scoreboard, energizing events of all kinds
• Significant ADA accessibility upgrades, including enhanced restrooms and seating
• A revamped press box and upgraded concession areas, supporting both amateur and professional events

These improvements will be fully funded by GCFC as part of this public-private partnership.

“We’re excited to work with Golden City Football Club on their plan to bring an independent team to a world-class city like San Francisco,” said Charles Altchek, President of MLS NEXT Pro and Executive Vice President of Major League Soccer. “San Francisco’s vibrant culture, rich sports history, and enthusiastic fan base make it an ideal home for an independent club. We look forward to seeing GCFC’s investment in Kezar Stadium create new opportunities for players and fans, and we’re eager to see the impact this will have on the community and the growth of soccer in the Bay Area.”

“This partnership is a win-win for San Francisco,” said Phil Ginsburg, San Francisco Recreation and Park General Manager. “It brings much-needed investment to Kezar, ensuring it remains a vital space for schools, youth leagues, and everyday residents—while also transforming this iconic stadium into a modern, world-class venue fit for professional soccer. We’re proud to usher in a new era for Kezar, one that honors its legacy and brings fresh energy rooted in civic pride, community, and inclusivity.”

GCFC plans to join MLS NEXT Pro, Major League Soccer’s professional developmental league, and is expected to begin play at Kezar in 2026 or 2027.

“We’re thrilled to welcome GCFC to their new home in District 5 and look forward to the energy, joy, and sense of community this will bring to our neighborhood,” said District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood. “This isn’t just an investment in Kezar—it’s an investment in our people. From creating good union jobs to expanding opportunities for local merchants and improving facilities for youth, families, and seniors, this historic partnership is something the entire community is excited to celebrate.”

“We are deeply grateful and incredibly excited to officially call Kezar Stadium GCFC's long-term home,” said Geoff Oltmans and Marc Rohrer, Co-Founders of Golden City Football Club. “This is a tremendous milestone for our club, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the broad support of the San Francisco community. As we continue to grow GCFC, we’re committed to making our city and fans proud, and we can’t wait to build something truly special together at Kezar.”

“The soccer community looks forward to partnerships that allow everyone to grow from the top down and from the bottom up,” said Jill Lounsbury, SF Nighthawks General Manager. “I personally look forward to a light being shined on our very diverse and vibrant community with Golden City Football Club's assist!”

“Golden City Football Club’s arrival is a great moment for athletics in San Francisco. Having a professional soccer team in the city will be a wonderful model for those young athletes who dream of playing at the professional level,” said Phil Freed, Sacred Heart Cathedral Director of Athletics. “Golden City’s investment in Kezar Stadium will be a benefit to the many student-athletes and community members of San Francisco who use Kezar Stadium. We’re happy to support GCFC in their efforts.”

“We’re excited to see Golden City Football Club investing in Kezar Stadium and bringing professional soccer to the neighborhood,” said Jim Angelus, Cole Valley Tavern Proprietor. “Upgrades to Kezar will not only benefit local families and sports fans but will also bring more foot traffic and energy to small businesses like ours. We’re delighted to support GCFC and look forward to the positive impact this will have on the entire Cole Valley community.”

Originally opened in 1925 and once home to the San Francisco 49ers, Kezar Stadium has a rich history as a venue for sports, concerts, political events, and everyday recreation, and it will remain a community cornerstone. Access for local schools and recreational users will continue uninterrupted. Kezar will still host longstanding traditions such as the Turkey Day Game, the Bruce-Mahoney rivalry, track meets, and youth sports, while continuing to serve as the home field for Mission High School and Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory.