Arizona United Soccer Club – the state’s only professional soccer team playing in USL PRO – will play in Scottsdale Stadium beginning in April 2015, the club announced today.
“This is the next step in professional soccer’s evolution in Arizona,” Arizona United Soccer Club owner Kyle Eng said. “Our mission is to serve the entire Arizona soccer community, and this move will bring the beautiful game to a wider audience. With Scottsdale Stadium’s proximity to restaurants and nightlife in Downtown Scottsdale, our supporters will enjoy a game day experience that is second to none.”
Winter home of the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants, Scottsdale Stadium has won praise for its intimate sight lines, fan-friendly facilities and central location. The City of Scottsdale partnered with the soccer club.
“The people of Scottsdale love sports, and soccer is definitely among the most popular, Scottsdale Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane said. “That’s why we are so excited to welcome the Arizona United Soccer Club to Scottsdale Stadium and Downtown Scottsdale. It’s a great venue in a great location, and it will provide a great home field advantage for Arizona’s only professional soccer team. We can’t wait to kick off the season.”
Arizona United Soccer Club played its 2014 USL PRO home schedule at Peoria Sports Complex after Eng bought the club a little more than a month before the season opener. Arizona United Soccer Club averaged about 3,200 fans in 16 home matches, posting a 7- 7-2 record.
“We are grateful to the City of Peoria and the Peoria Sports Complex for their support and hard work in our first season,” said Eng, founder and owner of Peoria-based Arrowhead Advertising. “With their help, we provided a first-class venue for our players, fans and partners.”
In Scottsdale Stadium, the soccer pitch will run north and south, with the north goal in front of the left field wall and the south goal along the first base line.
“We’re looking forward to a long and successful partnership,” Scottsdale Stadium Supervisor Jeff Cesaretti said. “Professional soccer will expose the stadium to a new audience and Scottsdale Stadium will provide a unique experience for soccer fans.”
