In an exciting development for San Francisco sports, the newly formed Golden City Football Club (GCFC) is set to kick off in either 2026 or 2027 at Kezar Stadium. This announcement was made on Friday, along with plans for a significant $10 million renovation aimed at transforming Kezar into a premier sports venue once again.

Renovation Plans for Kezar Stadium

Kezar Stadium, a historic site that previously served as the home for NFL teams like the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders, will receive major upgrades. Currently a facility for high school sports and the semi-professional team San Francisco City FC, the renovations include:

• A new natural grass field with an advanced irrigation system
• Upgraded seating with backrests
• A modern sound system
• Pro-level concession stands
• An impressive LED scoreboard

These enhancements will bolster the stadium’s capacity to host professional sports while maintaining its community accessibility.

About Golden City Football Club

Golden City Football Club will participate in the MLS NEXT Pro league, which acts as a minor league for Major League Soccer. The team’s schedule will consist of 15 home games each season, primarily on weekends from February to October. This initiative marks a new chapter in San Francisco’s sports scene, as noted by Mayor Daniel Lurie, who expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with MLS NEXT Pro: “This announcement is more than just a new team — it represents a new era for San Francisco sports.”

Financial Backing and Community Impact

The substantial investment into Kezar Stadium comes from co-founders Geoff Oltmans and Marc Rohrer, both of whom have strong ties to the Bay Area, having played collegiate soccer. Their financial commitment will spearhead improvements that benefit both the new team and the existing community uses of the stadium.

The impactful announcement also aligns with the interests of local businesses, especially those in the Upper Haight, like Kezar Pub. Its owner, Cyril Hackett, acknowledged the importance of sports tourism in supporting local establishments, stating, “We look forward to carrying on our tradition of hospitality and can’t wait to see GCFC fans fill the pub before and after matches.”

Retention of Community Use

Despite the arrival of GCFC, Kezar Stadium will still serve its multi-use function. The public will retain access to the running track, and the stadium will continue to host high school events, such as the esteemed Turkey Day Game championship.

Historical Context

The revival of professional soccer in the region evokes memories of the San Francisco Deltas, a former team that briefly operated out of Kezar Stadium and won the North American Soccer League championship before the league dissolved shortly afterward. The introduction of GCFC represents a renewed commitment to fostering a vibrant soccer culture in San Francisco.

As plans progress, the anticipation builds for the return of professional soccer to a city that takes great pride in its sporting history.