Ada County Commissioners have finalized a 30-year lease and development agreement with Boise Pro Soccer, paving the way for the construction of a soccer-focused, mixed-use stadium at Expo Idaho. The agreement, announced Friday, February 21, 2025, allows Boise Pro Soccer to commence development and aims to bring professional men’s and women’s soccer teams to the region by spring 2026. The project envisions transforming the former Les Bois horse-racing track into a modern sporting venue.
Brad Stith, CEO and co-founder of Boise Pro Soccer, stated that the initial phase of construction will involve a 6,000-seat stadium, with future expansion plans potentially increasing capacity to 11,000 seats or more. This development marks a significant step forward after previous attempts to establish a stadium in Boise faced setbacks, including failed proposals for downtown and West End locations, and a 2019 voter-approved ordinance requiring public approval for stadium projects exceeding $5 million.
The agreement follows the initial awarding of the lease to Boise Pro Soccer on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. The company, founded the previous year, comprises Boise-area residents Brad Stith, a former NBA executive; David Wali, a real estate developer; and Bill Taylor, the vice chair for U.S. Youth Soccer. Steve Patterson, experienced in stadium development nationwide, is the fourth founder. The Expo Idaho site, located on unincorporated Ada County land, falls under the jurisdiction of county commissioners, circumventing the city of Boise’s ordinance.
Commissioners emphasized that the project’s finalization is contingent upon successful negotiation of lease terms and a development agreement within a 90-day period. The statement, released via email and on the county’s Facebook page, underscores the importance of ensuring community needs are met. Boise Pro Soccer bid $150,000 for the lease and assumes full financial responsibility for site development, with Ada County confirming that no taxpayer funds will be allocated to the project.
Boise Pro Soccer intends to host a men’s team in United Soccer League One and a women’s team in the USL Super League. The USL is experiencing rapid growth, with the USL Championship positioned in the second division of the U.S. Soccer pyramid. USL League One aims to establish itself as a third division. The USL Super League, recently granted first-division status, is expanding with teams in various locations, though it is not expected to directly compete with the National Women’s Soccer League.
David Wali expressed enthusiasm for revitalizing the existing racetrack facilities, emphasizing the benefits of repurposing rather than demolishing and rebuilding. He highlighted the site’s unique location and potential to become a valuable long-term asset for both Boise Pro Soccer and Ada County. This project represents a significant advancement in bringing professional soccer to the Boise area, offering new opportunities for local athletes and contributing to the region’s sporting landscape.
