In American Soccer, we’ve heard for decades that the game is finally catching on. Sometimes, it feels like groundhog day. But there is one indicator showing positive signs - the growth of soccer-specific stadiums, especially for clubs at the second and third tier of the professional pyramid.
In Episode 85 of the Because Football Podcast, we interview Justin Papadakis, Deputy CEO & Chief Real Estate Officer at USL. In his role, Justin travels across the country meeting with local governments, developers, and investors to create new clubs and stadiums in American communities. Over the past decade, he has seen how it has become increasingly easier to sell soccer to cities and investors alike, signalling a bright future for the financial longevity of pro soccer in the United States.
In this episode, Justin shares his perspective on the role of USL in the American soccer landscape, how the league’s club intentionally cultivate close community ties, and why stadiums can serve more than just soccer fans in the the local area. He also talks about the upside of implementing promotion and relegation in USL and how that systemic change will draw new fans.
As Chief Real Estate Officer at USL, he has seen how changing demographics and the cultural growth of soccer have made it easier to convince cities to start clubs and build stadiums. Governmental leaders and decision-makers are part of a generation that have grown up with the game. Their children play. They “get it” - and that is a crucial sign for the future of soccer in a country that has always kept the game at arms’ length.
We speak about building soccer-specific stadiums as community assets that spark economic development, underpin club valuations, and serve as multi-purpose hubs with entertainment, nightlife, and residential uses not just for soccer fans, but the wider population.
He also talks about how the game has positively impacted his family, his biggest challenges in the role, and tells us his “All-TIme Five-a-Side Team”.
It’s a fascinating insight into a leader who is making a considerable impact in the American soccer scene.
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-papadakis-9b466522/
https://www.instagram.com/justin.papadakis/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/usl/
https://www.instagram.com/usl_hq/
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