Pico Rivera’s plans to be a premier sports and entertainment destination are one step closer to reality. Mayor John R. Garcia and Dan Holman, chief operating officer of the United Soccer League (USL), signed a negotiated letter of agreement at a ceremony Wednesday at City Hall.
The city and the soccer organization agreed to explore the development of a state-of-the-art entertainment district anchored by a new professional stadium to bring professional men’s soccer teams to Pico Rivera.
“This is an exciting moment for the city of Pico Rivera,” said Mayor John R. Garcia. “Partnering with the USL gives us a unique opportunity to bring professional soccer to our community while developing a world-class entertainment district that will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.”
The Letter of Interest allows the city and soccer league to collaborate on the proposed project’s feasibility, design and economic impact while engaging with residents, local businesses, and stakeholders, said city spokesperson Stephen Chavez.
Plans for the entertainment district include:
–A multi-purpose stadium for professional men’s and women’s soccer;
–Retail, dining and entertainment spaces;
–Public gathering areas and green spaces for community events; and
–Improvements to infrastructure enhancing accessibility and transportation.
“The Los Angeles area has a passionate soccer culture, and we see tremendous potential in Pico Rivera as a home for professional men’s and women’s soccer,” said Justin Papadakis, USL deputy CEO and chief real estate officer. “We are excited to work with city leaders to develop a state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment district that will generate economic development, inspire young athletes, and create a lasting legacy for the community.”
The agreement is part of the Pico Rivera 2035: Community Revitalization Program (PR 2035), a strategic approach to revitalize five priority corridors: Washington Boulevard, Rosemead Boulevard, Whittier Boulevard, the Rio Hondo, and the San Gabriel River.
The PR 2035 vision includes new riverfront development, a Metro light rail line, a regional rail station served by Metrolink and/or Amtrak, and an enhanced bus service on Rosemead/Lakewood Boulevard.
The USL, founded in 1986, is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, which offers a youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women through two professional and one pre-professional men’s leagues and Division I professional women’s USL Super League, which launched in 2024. It also operates USL W League, a pre-professional women’s league, USL Academy talent development platform and USL Youth, a national youth platform.
The USL has multi-year national and international media rights agreements across various platforms, such as CBS Sports, ESPN, and Peacock, making it the most widely accessible soccer league in the country. As the league looks to establish a strong presence in the Los Angeles market, Pico Rivera stands out as a prime location for the league’s vision, officials said. The proposed stadium and entertainment district would serve as the home for professional soccer and create new economic opportunities, jobs, and a gathering space for the community.
While the agreement does not guarantee the project’s final approval, it is a first significant first step, officials added. Next, the city and USL will collaborate to conduct studies, gather community input, and assess development opportunities.