Oceanside’s Frontwave Arena opens its doors to the public for the first time on Monday, September 16, ushering in a new era in San Diego County. It’s a smaller-type arena, with big plans.
Nestled in the Rancho Del Oro area, Fronwave boasts a seating capacity of 7,500 and features all the amenities expected of a brand-new, $85 million multi-purpose venue: 16 premium suites, three VIP viewing decks, and a lineup of food and beverage vendors being billed as “A Taste of North County.”
With no upper seating level and just 16 rows in each section, attendees will be close to the action—most of which will be sports.
“The original goal was to build an arena for San Diego Sockers (the Major Arena Soccer League team), and that came together six or seven years ago,” said Elias, who shares ownership of Frontwave Arena with Sockers’ owner and coach Phil Salvagio and real estate developer Colton Sudberry. [San Diego Magazine]
It’s no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team owners have been dribbling around for a new home for several years. And the way competition is mounting among suitors, the team could score its new home anywhere in the tri-state region: Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware.
Sports economists and community members argue that’s what businesses do — create a heightened interest and a bidding war among prospective locations, so they can walk away with the best incentives. The ultimate goal of sports teams is to fetch the largest economic incentives from politicians eager to bring jobs to their respective constituents.
That playbook is not a new concept for Philadelphia region sports projects – there’s plenty of past practice. Lincoln Financial Field cost $642 million to build, about $304 million of which was subsidized by the state and city coffers. The $367 million Citizens Bank Park received about $170 million in state and city subsidies. Comcast Spectacor’s Wells Fargo Center, initially known as First Union Center, had a price tag of $206 million. At the time it was built, there was $23 million in public subsidy between the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania for infrastructure improvements, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City study of sports project. [WHYY]
Two renderings of potential Sixers arenas.
— Sixers Mania (@Sixersmania76) September 12, 2024
Top: Camden, NJ
Bottom: Fashion District of Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/qqdv0Jvxzq
Frisco City Council is expected to give the go-ahead for a multi-million dollar renovation to Toyota Stadium.
According to city documents renovations could include 3,400 more seats to allow 20% percent more people to attend matches.
There could also be upgraded entrances, luxury suites, and club space.
There is also a pitch to make the facility a multi-use complex with office space, a hotel, retail, and restaurant space.
Toyota Stadium is already the home to FC Dallas and was a part of the pitch to get World Cup matches in 2026. It will now be used for team training for the World Cup. [NBCDFW]
To subscribe to the free daily e-newsletter offering the latest industry news, products and insights from — and written for — the athletics, fitness and recreation industries, see below on this page, or click here
