California Construction News staff writer
Kezar Stadium is set for its most significant renovation in more than 25 years as part of a $10 million project led by Golden City Football Club (GCFC), a new professional soccer team launching in partnership with the City of San Francisco and MLS NEXT Pro.
The plan is a public-private partnership that will revitalize the historic 1925 stadium with major capital upgrades, including a new natural grass field, modern irrigation, new seating, an LED scoreboard, an upgraded sound system, improved ADA access, and a refurbished press box and concessions area. Construction is expected to begin in advance of the club’s debut season in 2026 or 2027.
“GCFC’s arrival at Kezar Stadium marks an important chapter in the ongoing stewardship of this iconic venue. Our members take pride in the skilled work involved in maintaining and renovating such a historic facility, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for sports and community events,” said Vince Courtney, Special Assistant to the Northern California District Council of Laborers, a construction union that represents 30,000 workers from the Central Valley to the Oregon border. “We are committed to supporting the care and upgrades that will keep Kezar Stadium ready for both the excitement of the sport of soccer and its vital role in the neighborhood.
“This club represents not only a new team but a renewed passion for the sport that resonates deeply with our workforce.”
Renovations will be funded by GCFC as part of a long-term agreement with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. It represents the most comprehensive overhaul of the stadium since its early years and aims to benefit the broader community—not just the team.
Golden City FC will be San Francisco’s only professional men’s soccer team and will join MLS NEXT Pro, Major League Soccer’s development-focused league. The team will call Kezar its permanent home, building on the venue’s long legacy as the original home of the San Francisco 49ers and a community sports hub for nearly a century.
Phil Ginsburg, general manager of San Francisco Recreation and Park, called the partnership a “game-changer,” adding: “The upgrades will serve not only athletes, but also students, runners, and neighbors who have kept Kezar part of San Francisco’s cultural and athletic heartbeat for generations.”
The 15-year partnership between GCFC and the city includes two optional five-year extensions. Mayor Lurie will introduce legislation to the Board of Supervisors on May 13, co-sponsored by District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood. The Recreation and Park Commission will consider the proposal at its May 15 meeting, with full board approval expected in June.
