Richmond Kickers’ long-term stadium lease approved

RICHMOND, VA (Via Richmond Kickers) – The Richmond Kickers have announced that the club’s proposed 40-year lease for City Stadium was unanimously approved by Richmond City Council Monday night.

The terms of the agreement will allow the Kickers to make approximately $20 million in upgrades in three phases, over the life of the lease, to revitalize City Stadium for the city, surrounding neighborhood, fans and entire soccer community. The longest continuously operating professional soccer club in the country, the Richmond Kickers have called City Stadium home for 23 years.

“The Richmond Kickers are excited to work with the community and our members, fans and sponsors to return City Stadium to a great community resource,” commented Vernon Inge, Richmond Kickers President. “We are thrilled with the support that we have for the project from neighbors and the City of Richmond, and we look forward to a great long-term partnership.”

The agreement follows studies concluded earlier this year by the City of Richmond, which determined that a permanent home for the Richmond Kickers Pro team is the best use of the 22-acre site.

The plan will breathe new life into the nearly century-old stadium by modernizing the existing structure while preserving the historical features of the facility. The upgrades to the club’s longtime home will help build on the momentum that the Kickers have experienced in recent years, including a 50% increase in attendance since 2013.

The 2017 season marks the 25th Anniversary for the Richmond Kickers who are the longest-tenured club within the United Soccer League.