Salinas, CA — The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex has been officially recognized by the U.S. Congress for its ambitious vision to transform previously undeveloped land into a vibrant, state-of-the-art sports and recreation hub. The US Congress has awarded $500,000 in federal funding, thanks to extraordinary efforts made by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren. This grant will help support the next phase of expansion for the Complex, a critical investment that advances what is poised to become the largest sports facility between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
"I was proud to have submitted the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex as one of my community project requests this year, and I'm glad to see this funding coming to Monterey County," Rep. Lofgren said. "This is a big investment in Salinas' future as a regional cultural hub, and I am thrilled that Californians of all ages will get to enjoy this complex for generations to come.”
The funding marks a significant milestone in the development of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex and reinforces the project’s transformative impact on youth, families, and the broader Monterey County community. Once completed, the Complex has the potential to serve up to 18,000 + children and youth weekly, along with their families.
The expansion project, developed in partnership with the Salinas Regional Sports Authority, includes:
Eight new turf soccer fields
A 2,000-seat, lighted outdoor stadium with two synthetic soccer fields
A 35,000-square-foot indoor soccer arena featuring concessions, classrooms, and maintenance facilities
An outdoor sports court
An outdoor restroom facility
421 new parking spaces and pedestrian walkways
An on-site irrigation well to serve both proposed and adjacent existing fields
Stormwater control facilities, including Low Impact Development (LID) features and infiltration basins
Environmental protections, including setbacks from Gabilan Creek and adjacent wetlands, as well as minor compensatory wetland restoration
Although the project site is owned by the County of Monterey, the Soccer Complex has been a partnership between the City of Salinas and the nonprofit organization, the Salinas Regional Sports Authority, which will construct and operate the next phases of the facility.
“This $500,000 investment is a major win for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex and for the families and youth we serve across Monterey County,” said Jonathan De Anda, Executive Director. “We’re grateful to Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and the County of Monterey for their leadership and partnership in securing these funds. This support helps us continue building out high-quality, accessible natural grass fields that promote health, community connection, and opportunity for thousands of residents each week.”
Beyond expanding recreational opportunities, the project reflects a strong commitment to sustainable land use and environmental stewardship. By revitalizing land once considered unusable and incorporating thoughtful stormwater management and habitat protections, the Complex demonstrates how community development and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
County of Monterey, District 1 Supervisor Luis Alejo emphasized the regional importance of this investment.
“This federal funding represents a powerful investment in the health, well-being, and future of our young people,” said District 1 Supervisor Luis Alejo. “The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex will expand access to safe, high-quality recreational space for thousands of youths and families in Salinas, while also generating economic activity and strengthening regional pride. I’m proud to continue supporting a project that transforms underutilized county land into a lasting community asset for generations to come.”
The $500,000 grant provides partial funding for the next phase of development and positions the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex to continue advancing toward its vision of becoming a premier destination for youth sports, tournaments, and community events throughout California’s Central Coast.
For more information about the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex and opportunities to support the project, please visit https://salinassoccer.org/ .
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