Plans to establish a national cricket stadium at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds have officially been abandoned following unsuccessful negotiations between county officials and Major League Cricket (MLC). Originally proposed four years ago, the vision aimed to create a venue for local, national, and international cricket matches on a 12-acre site.
Negotiations began in earnest in 2022, with both parties meeting regularly for over two years. However, a shift in focus occurred after MLC underwent a restructuring amid internal challenges. County officials confirmed that talks were redirected towards the local team, the San Francisco Unicorns, which currently plays at the Oakland Coliseum. The latest round of discussions, which commenced in 2024, was terminated after the Unicorns failed to submit a viable proposal by the set deadline.
Team representatives, who requested anonymity, indicated that the complications surrounding the stadium extended beyond missed deadlines. They cited escalating costs and a lack of clarity regarding the county’s long-term plans for the fairgrounds. During negotiations, county leaders were also promoting concurrent agreements with San Jose State University for a new track and field facility and with the San Jose Earthquakes for a sports complex.
In response to these complications, county leaders announced a reset of the fairgrounds’ broader vision in October. They initiated a master planning process for the 165-acre public property, aiming to maximize its potential for the surrounding community. James Williams, County Executive, remarked, “We look forward to having the right structure in place in order to achieve success and unlock the extraordinary potential of the fairgrounds.”
The planning difficulties have been attributed to a significant disconnect between the county, which owns the property, and the independent management board that was established to oversee day-to-day operations. County officials are now considering consolidating control by taking over the board. Concerns have been raised that the board could engage the property in agreements that would limit the county’s ability to shape its long-term future as a hub for entertainment and community gatherings.
In 2024, county officials proposed replacing the current five-member fairgrounds board with a three-member panel consisting of two county employees and an independent director. There are plans to revisit this proposal in the near future.
The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds has remained underutilized for years, prompting county officials to explore various initiatives for revitalization. In 2019, the Board of Supervisors voted to assess options to enhance the property, including the cricket stadium, a county park, a hotel, and a baseball stadium. However, advocates for the homeless have also expressed a desire for housing and services for unhoused residents at the fairgrounds, voicing disappointment over the prioritization of sports facilities.
A representative from the Unicorns emphasized that while Santa Clara County remains an ideal location, it is now one of several options across the Bay Area. The team has appointed a chief real estate officer with local expertise who is engaging with different municipalities. The representative indicated that clarity on the county’s long-term plans would facilitate more productive discussions.
The proposed partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes also fell through in 2024, following county supervisors’ rejection of a deal they deemed unfavorable to taxpayers.
District 2 Supervisor Betty Duong highlighted the importance of ensuring that the fairgrounds serve the interests of the county’s two million residents. “We are exploring options for the best possible future for the site,” Duong stated. “One that includes economic development, enhances public safety, and improves the quality of life for all residents.”
District 5 Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga echoed this sentiment, focusing on maximizing the use of the fairgrounds as a community asset while also seeking opportunities for revenue generation. “I am open to considering all options as we decide what is best and highest use,” she mentioned.
As discussions surrounding the future of the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds continue, the community remains engaged in envisioning how the property can best serve its needs and aspirations.
