Plans for a national cricket stadium at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds have been abandoned after negotiations fell through between county officials and Major League Cricket (MLC). The discussions, which began exclusively in 2022, aimed to secure a lease for 12 acres to develop a venue for local, national, and international matches, but ultimately did not yield a viable proposal.
The negotiations had been ongoing for over two years, with both parties meeting regularly. However, the landscape changed when MLC faced internal restructuring and power struggles. As a result, county leaders shifted their focus to the local team, the San Francisco Unicorns, which currently plays at the Oakland Coliseum. In 2024, after the Unicorns missed a deadline to submit a proposal, county officials decided to terminate the negotiations.
Team representatives, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the challenges went beyond missed deadlines. They cited the escalating costs associated with building a stadium as a significant concern, alongside a lack of clarity regarding the county’s long-term vision for the fairgrounds.
During the negotiations, county officials were simultaneously promoting agreements with San Jose State University for a track and field facility and with the San Jose Earthquakes for a new sports complex at the same site. In light of these developments, county leaders opted to initiate a new master planning process for the 165-acre public property in October 2024.
County Executive James Williams expressed optimism about the future of the fairgrounds, stating, “We look forward to having the right structure in place in order to achieve success and unlock the extraordinary potential of the fairgrounds for the benefit of the surrounding neighborhood and entire Santa Clara County community.”
Challenges and Future Planning for the Fairgrounds
The difficulties in planning a cricket stadium stemmed from what officials described as a disconnect between the county and an independent management board. This board was established to manage the fairgrounds separately from day-to-day operations. County leaders have expressed concerns that the board’s decisions could hinder long-term planning for the site as a community gathering space.
In 2024, county officials proposed replacing the existing five-member fairgrounds board with a three-member panel consisting of two county employees and a third independent director nominated by county administration. This proposal is expected to be revisited this month.
The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds has struggled with underutilization for years as officials have sought ways to revitalize the space. In 2019, the Board of Supervisors voted to explore various options for the property, including the cricket stadium, a county park, and a hotel, among others. However, advocates for the homeless have also voiced their concerns, pushing for housing and services for unhoused residents at the fairgrounds, expressing disappointment in the county’s focus on sports complexes.
A representative from the Unicorns indicated that while Santa Clara County remains an attractive option, it is now just one of several potential locations in the Bay Area for a new stadium. The team has recently hired a chief real estate officer with local expertise, who is exploring opportunities across the region.
The previous proposal for the Earthquakes also fell through in 2024, as county supervisors criticized it as a “sweetheart deal” that would provide insufficient community benefits.
District 2 Supervisor Betty Duong emphasized the importance of ensuring that the fairgrounds serve the needs of the county’s 2 million residents. She stated, “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.”
District 5 Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to maximize the use of the fairgrounds while generating revenue for the county. She expressed openness to considering all options as the county evaluates the best use of the property.
As officials continue to navigate this complex landscape, the future of the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds remains uncertain, with community needs and development opportunities at the forefront of discussions.
