Reno’s New Stadium Aims to Boost Sports Tourism and Economic Growth
The transformation of the former Jones West Ford site is underway, as a $350 million stadium project begins construction by Kietzke Lane. This development, which commenced with the demolition of existing structures in late April, is set to enhance Reno’s sports tourism landscape.
Vice Mayor Miguel Martinez expressed optimism about the stadium’s potential impact on the city. “Offering another outdoor recreation facility for our region, and providing jobs and construction jobs that continue to help our union members and our families to be able to benefit from all of that activity,” Martinez stated.
Currently, the project is funded entirely by private investments, with no public finances allocated. The stadium is expected to stimulate the local economy, particularly through increased tax revenues. However, some experts urge caution.
Stanford University’s Professor Emeritus Dr. Roger Noll highlighted the importance of the entertainment district in generating additional revenue. He compared the operation frequency to an anchor tenant like Macy’s, which operates daily, whereas soccer games are limited to specific days and hours. “And it’s only open for four or five hours because the game doesn’t even last all day,” Noll noted.
Noll advised developers to explore multiple uses for the stadium to avoid it becoming an economic burden. “But it’s not that the act of building the facility generates net increases in employment or wealth in Reno because it doesn’t unless it’s part of incremental sales to people who live outside the area,” he added.
Reno previously hosted the Reno 1868 FC, a team that consistently reached the playoffs during its four-season run. However, the club ceased operations due to the pandemic’s financial and operational challenges. Given the growing demand for soccer in the US, Noll suggested that a new minor league soccer team could now be more sustainable.
