by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)
A Tampa, Fla.-based professional soccer organization is partnering with a new Arkansas team to bring professional soccer to the state.
The United Soccer League (USL) and USL Arkansas announced Wednesday (July 12) plans to establish men’s and women’s soccer teams and build a 5,000-seat stadium in Rogers. Preliminary estimates show the stadium will cost about $15 million, and the aim is for it to open in early 2026.
USL Arkansas is led by co-founders Chris Martinovic and Warren Smith. Martinovic, a former professional and college soccer player, started working to bring pro soccer to Northwest Arkansas about four years ago. Smith, who helped establish the San Diego Loyal SC, joined the effort in late 2022.
https://talkbusiness.net/2023/07/pro-soccer-5000-seat-stadium-coming-to-northwest-arkansas/
A rendering shows what the stadium for the new professional soccer team might look like. The goal is for the stadium to open in Rogers in early 2026.