Nearly $2.8 Million in New State Funding Advances Salinas Regional Soccer Complex Expansion; Speaker Robert Rivas and Senator John Laird Strengthen the Public Investment Behind the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s Continued Growth and Transformation

 

SALINAS, CA – The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex will receive $2.765 million in new State of California funding through two investments championed by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senator John Laird, providing significant new resources for the continued development of the 68-acre community and regional sports complex.

The funding comes as construction moves forward on 8 new fields and weekly use at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex has grown to nearly 16,000 players, families and visitors. Together, the state investments strengthen a public-private funding model that has brought state, federal, county and local government together with foundations, businesses and individual donors to build the Complex over multiple phases.

Speaker Rivas Secures $1.5 Million for Capital Improvements

The 2026-27 state budget includes $1.5 million for capital improvements at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, building on Speaker Rivas’ longstanding support for the facility and its role in creating opportunities for young people and families throughout the Salinas Valley.

Rivas has been closely involved in the Complex’s development and describes the vision behind the investment: “This is much more than soccer—it is about creating opportunities for our youth to learn about teamwork, about sportsmanship, about commitment.”

His support builds on years of engagement with the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex and its vision for a world-class facility that serves local families while strengthening the region’s ability to attract larger tournaments and events.

Senator Laird Secures $1.265 Million for Continued Expansion

Senator Laird secured an additional $1.265 million for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, with his office identifying the eight-field expansion as a key Monterey County investment in the 2026-27 state budget.

Construction on the 8 new fields is underway, with the expansion designed to increase capacity for local leagues, youth programs, tournaments and community recreation while positioning the Complex to serve more than 22,000 people each week at build-out.

“The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex has become a real point of pride for the Salinas Valley, bringing thousands of young people and families together every week,” said Laird.  “With eight new fields on the way, this investment will open the door for even more local families to participate and help bring larger tournaments and visitors to the region. I’m proud to have secured state funding for both the expansion and a new scoreboard, helping take an already successful community resource to the next level.”

Laird’s investment follows his selection of the Salinas Regional Sports Authority as Senate District 17’s 2026 Nonprofit of the Year, recognizing the organization’s role in expanding opportunities for young people, families and the broader Salinas Valley community.

The new state funding arrives during the largest period of growth in the Salinas Regional Sports Complex’s history. 

“The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex has been built through a powerful combination of public leadership, private philanthropy and community investment, and each has been essential to turning a long-term vision into a facility that now serves nearly 16,000 people every week,” said Jonathan De Anda, General Manager of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex. “Speaker Rivas and Senator Laird understand both the scale of what is happening here and what this investment can unlock for the Salinas Valley and all of Monterey County. Their leadership gives us the ability to keep building with confidence, expand access for local families and create a regional asset that will serve this community for generations.”

Approximately 20 acres are currently under construction as part of the next phase of development, supported by public funding and private philanthropy, including The Match, a $3 million campaign launched with a $1.5 million challenge commitment from Taylor Farms.

When complete, the expanded 68 acre Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is expected to become the largest sports and recreation facility of its kind between Los Angeles and San Francisco, creating additional space for local play while expanding the region’s capacity to host major state, national and regional events.

About the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex

The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is a nonprofit community asset dedicated to providing a safe, accessible, and family-centered space for youth and adult recreation. Serving more than 16,000 weekly users, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex continues to grow as a premier destination for local play, community connection, and local, regional, and national tournaments.

For more information about the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex and opportunities to support, please visit https://SalinasSoccer.org