Cleveland Force SC, the city’s United Soccer League Championship team, announced Tuesday a comprehensive stadium renovation project valued at approximately $45 million. The ambitious plan calls for expanding seating capacity from 7,500 to 11,000, adding premium hospitality suites, and modernizing facilities at their home venue in the Cleveland suburb of Twinsburg. Team ownership, led by local business consortium Cleveland Soccer Holdings LLC, secured financing through a combination of private investment and municipal bonds backed by projected revenue increases.
The renovation blueprint includes state-of-the-art video boards, expanded concession areas featuring local food vendors, and improved accessibility features throughout the facility. Perhaps most significantly, the project incorporates a year-round training facility and youth soccer complex that team officials say will serve as a community hub for soccer development in Northeast Ohio. Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2026 following the conclusion of the current season, with completion targeted for March 2028. The project has received enthusiastic support from local government officials who view it as part of Cleveland’s broader sports and entertainment infrastructure enhancement.
Cleveland Force SC has experienced remarkable growth since joining the USL Championship in 2023, with average attendance increasing by 40% over the past three seasons. The team currently sits in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 9-4-3 record, drawing an average of 6,800 fans per match. Team President Jennifer Kowlessar emphasized that the renovation reflects both the organization’s commitment to Cleveland and the region’s embrace of professional soccer. The announcement comes amid broader momentum for soccer in Ohio, with Columbus Crew’s recent success and Cincinnati’s continued MLS presence creating a robust soccer culture across the state.
Economic impact studies commissioned by the team project the renovated facility will generate approximately $8 million annually in regional economic activity through increased attendance, expanded event hosting capabilities, and associated tourism. The venue is expected to host concerts, international friendly matches, and potentially U.S. national team games once improvements are complete. Local construction firms have been prioritized for contracting opportunities, with project managers estimating the creation of 200 jobs during the construction phase alone.