The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex has received a significant boost with a federal grant of $500,000 awarded by the U.S. Congress. This funding aims to support the complex’s ambitious vision to transform previously unused land into a premier sports and recreation facility. The announcement marks a pivotal moment for the community, as highlighted by Jonathan De Anda, executive director of the Salinas Regional Sports Authority, the nonprofit managing the complex.
De Anda emphasized the importance of this funding for local families and youth in Monterey County. He expressed gratitude towards Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren for her role in securing the 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,” De Anda stated.
Expansion Plans and Community Impact
The grant will facilitate the next phase of the expansion of the soccer complex, which aims to become the largest sports facility between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Currently, the complex accommodates approximately 11,500 users each week, a figure expected to double to 22,000 upon completion. In 2025, the facility plans to host various events, including local school activities, soccer training camps, and the national Alianza de Futbol tournament, which attracted thousands to Salinas.
Lofgren expressed her pride in submitting the complex for federal support, calling the funding a significant investment in Salinas’ future as a regional cultural hub. “I am thrilled that Californians of all ages will get to enjoy this complex for generations to come,” she remarked.
Funding for the multi-phase project has reached $45 million, with nearly half of that amount already secured. Major contributions have come from organizations such as the Harden Foundation, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Hayward Family Foundation, Taylor Farms, and the David and Lucille Packard Foundation. In addition to the recent federal grant, the project recently received $250,000 from the Ray Costa family.
Comprehensive Facilities and Environmental Considerations
Once completed, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex will feature extensive facilities catering to various sports, including pickleball. Planned developments include seven new natural grass soccer fields, a 3,000-seat outdoor stadium equipped with two all-weather soccer fields, and a 40,000-square-foot indoor soccer arena that will include concessions, classrooms, and maintenance facilities.
The expansion will also introduce eight beach soccer and volleyball courts, as well as multi-sport courts for basketball and volleyball. To enhance the visitor experience, the facility will have dedicated locker rooms, restrooms, and 400 new lighted parking spaces. The project prioritizes environmental sustainability, incorporating stormwater upgrades and protections for nearby ecosystems, including setbacks from Gabilan Creek and adjacent wetlands. Recently, the complex completed a $2 million soil remediation project, ensuring the safe removal of arsenic-contaminated soil from part of the expansion site.
The Salinas Regional Sports Authority’s expansion plans are backed by a 50-year lease on the land, with an option to extend for an additional 40 years. This long-term commitment ensures that the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex will serve as a valuable community asset for generations.
As Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo noted, the complex will not only expand access to safe recreational spaces for families and youth but also stimulate economic activity and foster regional pride. “I’m proud to continue supporting a project that transforms underutilized county land into a lasting community asset for generations to come,” Alejo stated.
With these significant developments, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is poised to become a key player in promoting health, community engagement, and local pride in the region.
