LANCASTER, CA, August 29, 2024 – The City of Lancaster and AV ALTA FC celebrated the official groundbreaking of Lancaster Municipal Stadium on Saturday, August 17 with thousands in attendance for the historic evening under the lights. The multi-million dollar project will enhance Lancaster Municipal Stadium into an authentic soccer  experience fans and future event attendees. As the first phase of renovations begin this month, construction is scheduled to be completed prior to AV ALTA FC’s kickoff in 2025 for their inaugural season in USL League One.

“This Saturday was a landmark day for the AV community,” said John Smelzer, Founder and President of AV ALTA FC. “From day one, we knew this facility was the perfect place to establish AV ALTA FC’s home. With the unwavering support of the City of Lancaster, we’re turning this former baseball stadium into a dedicated  soccer specific venue that the community will cherish for generations.”

In attendance at the groundbreaking event was United Soccer League (USL) League One President, Lee O’Neil; Principal Owner of AV ALTA FC, J. David Harden; AV ALTA FC Founder and President, John Smelzer. They were joined by City of Lancaster Mayor, R. Rex Parris and other city and state representatives along with the local AV community. 

“We are thrilled to be here breaking ground with USL AV ALTA FC for this new pro soccer stadium,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “This stadium represents more than just a venue for sports; it’s a beacon of growth, community spirit, and the limitless potential of our City. We look forward to the positive impact this stadium will have on our economy and the inspiration it will bring to our youth, fostering a love for sports and teamwork. This is a significant milestone for Lancaster, and I am excited to see the future unfold.”

Key upgrades include:

• Grandstand Modifications: The west and south grandstands will be straightened to improve sightlines, with the west stand also featuring new club and field seating increasing seating capacity to 5,300. 
• Expanded Seating: A 1,000-seat modular grandstand will be added on the east side, while a 500-capacity “safe standing” supporters’ grandstand will be installed on the north end to create a vibrant atmosphere.
• Field and Lighting: The stadium will feature a new FIFA-quality synthetic soccer field and state-of-the-art LED lights for optimal play conditions.
• Wind Wall Installation: A 16-foot wind wall will be constructed, extending from the visiting clubhouse to the main west grandstand, providing additional comfort for spectators.

The stadium will also enhance the fan experience with the reopening of existing concession stands on the main concourse, supplemented by satellite food and beverage stations throughout the venue and food trucks offering diverse culinary options.

Lancaster Municipal Stadium, affectionately known as “The Hangar”, served as the home of the Lancaster JetHawks of the California League. Since its opening in 1996, the ballpark hosted Class A affiliated baseball for 15 seasons before the JetHawks were contracted as part of a down-sizing of  Minor League Baseball.

AV ALTA FC fans can place deposits for season tickets and purchase official team merch. Stay updated with the latest news by following the Club on Instagram, Facebook and X or visit avaltafc.com.