Following today’s series of announcements in Renton, Wash. at the new Sounders FC Center at Longacres, civic officials and leaders in the sports world offered their thoughts on all of the day’s news.
All individuals are listed below alphabetically.
PRESIDENT OF SEATTLE SEAHAWKS & FIRST AND GOAL INC. CHUCK ARNOLD
“We are thrilled to welcome Sounders FC to the City of Renton as they build a premier new training and operations facility for their club. Renton has been an incredible home for the Seahawks and the Virginia Mason Athletic Center over the years, and we wish the Sounders as much success as they embark on this exciting new chapter for their organization.”
KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE DOW CONSTANTINE
“This is a historic day for a team with deep roots in our community. King County is home to one of the league’s most successful franchises, and it’s great to have this new home for the Sounders and the soccer community. We are looking forward to more championships, more reasons to celebrate, and continued victory for our Sounders for many years to come.”
UNICO PROPERTIES CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER NED CARNER
“We are excited by the opportunity to anchor this storied property with the Seattle Sounders. We could not be more excited to partner with a group like the Sounders that shares in our mission to create a project that builds up the surrounding community, while also enhancing the lives of the people that choose to live and work at Longacres for years to come.”
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER COMMISSIONER DON GARBER
“With this new state-of-the-art, world-class development facility, the Seattle Sounders have proven why they are one of the standard bearers for the sport of soccer in North America. Thanks to the ambition and investment of MLS owners like Adrian Hanauer and his partners in Seattle, our clubs have built the sporting infrastructure that has helped drive the sport in the United States and Canada. Congratulations to the entire organization on the new Sounders FC Center at Longacres.”
SOUNDERS FC MAJORITY OWNER ADRIAN HANAUER
“Today is one of the most important moments in our club’s history, as we begin this new partnership with Unico Properties and take our first steps into the future of Seattle Sounders FC. Our organization has invested a great deal of time and thoughtfulness into the process of both selecting the ideal site for a new home and reimagining what that home represents, for our team and the greater community. With Longacres, we’ve found a location brimming with Pacific Northwest history where the Sounders – a team that brings its own deep roots, growing since 1974 – can plant our flag and create a home for our next 50 years. We’re excited to work with terrific partners in Unico and the City of Renton as this project comes to life, and our club fully embraces the stewardship of managing an important historical site like Longacres.”
SOUNDERS FC CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER MAYA MENDOZA-EXSTROM
“Sounders FC and our official charitable arm, RAVE Foundation, partner directly with school districts throughout our state to offer programs that use soccer as a vehicle to inspire learning to our region’s youth. With the location of the Sounders FC Center at Longacres, Sounders FC and RAVE can serve more students with current programs like Science of Soccer and the Sports Media Institute, and also to commit to potential new campaigns like career pathway programs, educational field trips and curriculum that align with Sounders FC’s Social Justice Framework and the long-term commitment to create stronger and more equitable communities. We look forward to working with our incredible social impact partners to deepen our connection to community and actualize this work.”
MAYOR OF RENTON ARMONDO PAVONE
“Renton is extremely excited to be the new home for Seattle Sounders FC. Since 1974, the name Sounders has epitomized class and success both on and off the field. Today’s announcement of a Renton headquarters is the starting point for another 50 years of success. We look forward to working with Sounders leadership, including Adrian Hanauer, Garth Lagerwey and Brian Schmetzer, to help the franchise achieve their goals and to welcome them into our community.”
SOUNDERS FC PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS PETER TOMOZAWA
“From our club’s perspective, the next 50 years of Sounders history start right now. Our new home at Longacres gives us a generational opportunity to not only invest in the organization by developing the most advanced facilities for our players and operations, but also to deepen our roots and engage with the community in meaningful and new ways.”
