Plans for a national cricket stadium at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds have been abandoned, marking a significant setback for local sports ambitions. After more than two years of negotiations between county officials and Major League Cricket leaders, discussions have come to a halt due to unresolved issues surrounding the project’s viability and long-term planning.
The initial excitement around constructing a cricket stadium began in 2022 when county officials engaged in exclusive negotiations for a lease of 12 acres at the fairgrounds. The goal was to create a venue for local, national, and international cricket matches. However, following a restructuring within Major League Cricket and internal disputes, focus shifted away from the stadium project to the local team, the San Francisco Unicorns. This team currently plays at the Oakland Coliseum.
County officials confirmed that negotiations were terminated in early 2024 after the Unicorns failed to submit a viable proposal by the deadline. Sources close to the team, who requested anonymity, indicated that the financial implications of the stadium became untenable, compounded by a lack of clarity regarding the county’s long-term vision for the fairgrounds.
As negotiations faltered, county leaders were simultaneously exploring partnerships with other organizations, including San Jose State University for a track and field facility and the San Jose Earthquakes for a new sports complex. This led to a reassessment of the broader vision for the fairgrounds, culminating in a new master planning process announced in October 2024.
County Executive James Williams expressed optimism about the future plans, stating, “We look forward to having the right structure in place to achieve success and unlock the extraordinary potential of the fairgrounds for the benefit of the surrounding neighborhood and the entire Santa Clara County community.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
One of the key challenges has been a disconnect between the county, which owns the fairgrounds, and an independent management board set up to oversee the property. County officials are now looking to consolidate control over the board to prevent agreements that could hinder long-term planning.
In 2024, officials suggested a shift from the current five-member board to a three-member body that would include two county employees and a third independent director nominated by the county administration. Discussions about this proposal are expected to resume soon.
The fairgrounds have remained underutilized in recent years, prompting various revitalization efforts from the county. In 2019, the Board of Supervisors explored multiple options to enhance community engagement with the property, including proposals for a cricket field, county park, hotel, and baseball stadium. However, advocacy groups for the homeless have also emerged, pressing for more inclusive solutions such as housing and services for unhoused residents.
A representative from the Unicorns reaffirmed that Santa Clara County remains a viable option for the team, but now is just one of several potential locations in the Bay Area. The team has appointed a chief real estate officer with local expertise to explore possibilities across the region, contingent upon clearer long-term plans from the county.
The proposed deal with the Earthquakes also fell through in 2024 after county supervisors criticized it as a “sweetheart deal” that would not adequately benefit taxpayers.
District 2 Supervisor Betty Duong emphasized the need for the fairgrounds to serve all 2 million residents of the county, stating, “We are exploring options for the best possible future for the site, one that includes economic development, enhances public safety, and improves the quality of life for all residents, particularly in the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Similarly, District 5 Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga underscored the importance of maximizing the fairgrounds’ potential as a community asset while also considering revenue generation opportunities. “I am open to considering all options as we decide what is best and highest use,” she noted.
As the county reassesses its strategy for the fairgrounds, the future remains uncertain, but local leaders are committed to finding a balanced approach that benefits the community while accommodating sports and entertainment initiatives.
