ROSWELL, Ga. — The United Soccer League, the largest professional soccer organization in North America, is looking to Roswell to house professional teams.
The City Council approved a letter of intent with the United Soccer League March 25 to enter a nine-month exclusive negotiation period, exploring the possibility of developing a soccer stadium and entertainment district, anchored by a mixed-use development.
The site for the stadium and associated costs of the project has not been determined, though officials say the arena will seat at least 10,000.
Mayor Kurt Wilson said it will be a “transformational project” for the community, all of North Fulton and for the state.
“[It is] really quite an honor to be chosen by the USL for this,” Wilson said.
If negotiations prove successful, the organization would serve as the “anchor tenant” of the stadium, cementing the playing grounds for a USL Super League professional women’s team and a USL Championship professional men’s team. The league would have the right of first refusal to serve as the stadium operator/manager.
On behalf of Rep. Rich McCormick, Director of Outreach Suzanne Swain voiced excitement about the city’s prospects with the soccer group. McCormick represents District 6 for the Georgia House, which includes Roswell.
“When I look across the state, and I see our district … we’ve got a prime location for so many of these great teams to come,” Swain said.
Project consulting
Last August, officials approved a $250,000 budget amendment to pay for professional services provided by Seer World, a consulting company headed by Peter Sorckoff.
The organization was hired to support the city’s efforts in securing a sports and entertainment district, leading a team consisting of the mayor’s chief of staff, Jamie Guzzetti (who is often around but not on the city’s…
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