Phoenix-area pro soccer team announces new name, stadium complex
Nov 28, 2016, 12:30 PM | Updated: 8:35 pm
An artist's rendering of the new home of Phoenix Rising FC. (Phoenix Rising FC Photo)
(Phoenix Rising FC Photo)
PHOENIX — We knew Cyber Monday was going to be big, but had no idea one of those deals could include a new soccer stadium in the East Valley.
Arizona United, a professional soccer team that has played games on both sides of the Valley over the past years, announced Monday that it is planning to build a stadium and training facility in Scottsdale.
But Arizona United will not play in that stadium. The team announced a name change Monday. It is now called Phoenix Rising FC.
The 15.8-acre site — located near the Loop 202 freeway and McClintock Road on the Tempe-Scottsdale border — would house the new stadium and training grounds as early as 2017. In addition to the team, the site is being developed by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Solanna Group.
“These planned investments should serve as proof that we are serious about creating a successful soccer franchise in our state,” Berke Bakay with the team said.
“We seek to prove that the Valley of the Sun can deliver a successful United Soccer League team and eventually compete at the highest levels of soccer.”
Construction on the site is expected to begin in the next several weeks.
David Fordon, CEO and general manager of the Solanna Group, said the stadium will meet FIFA qualifications and will be state-of-the-art.
“We’re happy for the Valley and thrilled by the zeal and excitement that professional soccer will bring to all the passionate fans for the sport that are eager for top-flight competition and international exhibitions,” he said.
Prior to the new stadium, Arizona United played games at Peoria Sports Complex. It spent one season at Scottsdale Stadium.
Should Phoenix Rising FC’s new home be built, it will be just a few miles from Arizona State University’s main campus and the potential new home of the Arizona Coyotes hockey team.
Over the past years, Arizona United has enjoyed some celebrity status: Artists Diplo and Pete Wentz have both invested in the team.
KTAR’s Ali Vetnar contributed to this report.
