Garrett Leahy

Eddie Sun

Kevin Truong

Very early-stage plans for a Downtown San Francisco soccer stadium on the site of the beleaguered former Westfield Centre mall have been obtained by The Standard.

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Very early-stage plans for a Downtown San Francisco soccer stadium on the site of the beleaguered former Westfield Centre mall have been obtained by The Standard.

The renderings are conceptual and likely far from what a finished product may look like, but they provide a window into a possible future for the mall, as its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/29/heres-when-downtown-san-franciscos-nordstrom-will-close-its-doors/">behemoth Nordstrom store closes on Sunday</a>. Westfield itself <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">pulled out of the mall</a> in June.

Here&#8217;s when downtown San Francisco&#8217;s Nordstrom will close its doors

Westfield gives up downtown San Francisco mall

The renderings are conceptual and likely far from what a finished product may look like, but they provide a window into a possible future for the mall, as its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/29/heres-when-downtown-san-franciscos-nordstrom-will-close-its-doors/">behemoth Nordstrom store closes on Sunday</a>. Westfield itself <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">pulled out of the mall</a> in June.

Numerous stores have closed in San Francisco&#8217;s Downtown core, many of which&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">cited unsafe conditions</a>&nbsp;in the area. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/san-francisco-ikea-opens-huge-line-furniture-meatballs-plant-balls/">new Ikea store that opened nearby Wednesday</a> on Market Street&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/17/new-downtown-sf-ikea-will-have-nonstop-security-company-says-after-whole-foods-shutters/">announced in April that the store will feature</a>&nbsp;round-the-clock security.

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Numerous stores have closed in San Francisco's Downtown core, many of which&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">cited unsafe conditions</a>&nbsp;in the area. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/san-francisco-ikea-opens-huge-line-furniture-meatballs-plant-balls/">new Ikea store that opened nearby Wednesday</a> on Market Street&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/17/new-downtown-sf-ikea-will-have-nonstop-security-company-says-after-whole-foods-shutters/">announced in April that the store will feature</a>&nbsp;round-the-clock security.

Numerous stores have closed in San Francisco&#8217;s Downtown core, many of which&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">cited unsafe conditions</a>&nbsp;in the area. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/san-francisco-ikea-opens-huge-line-furniture-meatballs-plant-balls/">new Ikea store that opened nearby Wednesday</a> on Market Street&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/17/new-downtown-sf-ikea-will-have-nonstop-security-company-says-after-whole-foods-shutters/">announced in April that the store will feature</a>&nbsp;round-the-clock security.

A preliminary rendering of the proposed Downtown soccer stadium pitched for the site of the struggling San Francisco Westfield mall.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image000000-2-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194329"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A preliminary rendering of the proposed Downtown soccer stadium pitched for the site of the struggling San Francisco Westfield mall.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image000000-2-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194329"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A preliminary rendering of the proposed Downtown soccer stadium pitched for the site of the struggling San Francisco Westfield mall.</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco officials and architectural firm Gensler are working on the preliminary plans and feasibility study for the soccer stadium.

San Francisco officials and architectural firm Gensler are working on the preliminary plans and feasibility study for the soccer stadium.

Mayor London Breed spoke briefly on the soccer stadium plans during a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/san-francisco-mayor-optimistic-says-downtown-is-primed-for-comeback/">meeting at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce</a> on Tuesday. Previously, Breed touted the idea of turning the mall into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/san-francisco-mayors-answer-to-downtown-malls-woes-lab-space/">lab space</a>.

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Mayor London Breed spoke briefly on the soccer stadium plans during a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/san-francisco-mayor-optimistic-says-downtown-is-primed-for-comeback/">meeting at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce</a> on Tuesday. Previously, Breed touted the idea of turning the mall into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/san-francisco-mayors-answer-to-downtown-malls-woes-lab-space/">lab space</a>.

&#8220;We want to give people an understanding of what could happen and get a developer and others excited about making investments into the stadium as a way to diversify what happens in the Downtown area,&#8221; Breed said.

"We want to give people an understanding of what could happen and get a developer and others excited about making investments into the stadium as a way to diversify what happens in the Downtown area," Breed said.

&#8220;We want to give people an understanding of what could happen and get a developer and others excited about making investments into the stadium as a way to diversify what happens in the Downtown area,&#8221; Breed said.

A rendering for a possible soccer stadium in Downtown San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image000000-3-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194330"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A rendering for a possible soccer stadium in Downtown San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Breed added she is discussing transit options with BART and Muni, as well as potential FIFA matches—t<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/06/sf-unlikely-to-see-soccer-stars-at-next-world-cup-as-infrastructure-drags/">he World Cup is coming to the Bay Area in 2026</a>.

SF unlikely to see soccer stars at next World Cup as infrastructure drags

Breed added she is discussing transit options with BART and Muni, as well as potential FIFA matches—t<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/06/sf-unlikely-to-see-soccer-stars-at-next-world-cup-as-infrastructure-drags/">he World Cup is coming to the Bay Area in 2026</a>.

&#8220;In Chase Center, we have about 18,000 seats there, and this could maybe serve up to about [25,000], or even more,&#8221; Breed said of the stadium.

"In Chase Center, we have about 18,000 seats there, and this could maybe serve up to about [25,000], or even more," Breed said of the stadium.

&#8220;In Chase Center, we have about 18,000 seats there, and this could maybe serve up to about [25,000], or even more,&#8221; Breed said of the stadium.

&#8220;These are some early conceptual renderings by Gensler as part of its feasibility study solely for testing purposes,&#8221; a Gensler spokesperson said Wednesday.

"These are some early conceptual renderings by Gensler as part of its feasibility study solely for testing purposes," a Gensler spokesperson said Wednesday.

&#8220;These are some early conceptual renderings by Gensler as part of its feasibility study solely for testing purposes,&#8221; a Gensler spokesperson said Wednesday.

A preliminary drawing of a proposed Downtown San Francisco soccer stadium.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image000000-4-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194331"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A preliminary drawing of a proposed Downtown San Francisco soccer stadium.</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/18/why-doesnt-san-francisco-have-a-major-league-soccer-team/">San Francisco does not currently have a major league soccer team</a>, but it has several prominent pre-professional teams, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/21/amateur-sf-soccer-team-in-cup-run-against-pro-mls-clubs-like-lafc/">International San Francisco Soccer Club</a>, the San Francisco Glens Soccer Club and the San Francisco City Football Club. The San Jose Earthquakes are the closest major league soccer team.

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<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/18/why-doesnt-san-francisco-have-a-major-league-soccer-team/">San Francisco does not currently have a major league soccer team</a>, but it has several prominent pre-professional teams, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/21/amateur-sf-soccer-team-in-cup-run-against-pro-mls-clubs-like-lafc/">International San Francisco Soccer Club</a>, the San Francisco Glens Soccer Club and the San Francisco City Football Club. The San Jose Earthquakes are the closest major league soccer team.

An overhead drawing of the plans for a proposed Downtown soccer stadium located at the site of the San Francisco Westfield mall.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image000000-1-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194328"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An overhead drawing of the plans for a proposed Downtown soccer stadium located at the site of the San Francisco Westfield mall.</figcaption></figure>

Women&#8217;s soccer is also exploding in the Bay Area, with <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37772376/nwsl-san-francisco-area-expansion-team-dubbed-bay-fc">Bay Football Club</a> announced in June for the National Women’s Soccer League and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/01/womens-soccer-set-to-explode-in-bay-area-as-8-teams-join-new-league-including-alex-morgans-old-club/">eight new teams announced for Northern California</a> in the USL W League in December last year.

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Women's soccer is also exploding in the Bay Area, with <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37772376/nwsl-san-francisco-area-expansion-team-dubbed-bay-fc">Bay Football Club</a> announced in June for the National Women’s Soccer League and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/01/womens-soccer-set-to-explode-in-bay-area-as-8-teams-join-new-league-including-alex-morgans-old-club/">eight new teams announced for Northern California</a> in the USL W League in December last year.

Women&#8217;s soccer is also exploding in the Bay Area, with <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37772376/nwsl-san-francisco-area-expansion-team-dubbed-bay-fc">Bay Football Club</a> announced in June for the National Women’s Soccer League and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/01/womens-soccer-set-to-explode-in-bay-area-as-8-teams-join-new-league-including-alex-morgans-old-club/">eight new teams announced for Northern California</a> in the USL W League in December last year.

A rendering of the layouts for the proposed Downtown soccer stadium that could function as a sports arena and a concert venue. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image000000-5-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194334"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A rendering of the layouts for the proposed Downtown soccer stadium that could function as a sports arena and a concert venue. </figcaption></figure>

&#8220;The prospect of any new soccer stadium being built in San Francisco proper is an exciting one, as we are currently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/17/london-breed-jokes-she-plied-fifa-boss-with-secret-private-stash-wine-for-world-cup-bid/">building one in our own right at Treasure Island</a>,&#8221; said Ryan Maquiñana, a spokesperson for the Glens. &#8220;With the World Cup coming to the Bay Area in 2026, to build anything viable within the city limits amid the lack of real estate would really demonstrate how much soccer has risen here.&#8221;

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"The prospect of any new soccer stadium being built in San Francisco proper is an exciting one, as we are currently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/17/london-breed-jokes-she-plied-fifa-boss-with-secret-private-stash-wine-for-world-cup-bid/">building one in our own right at Treasure Island</a>," said Ryan Maquiñana, a spokesperson for the Glens. "With the World Cup coming to the Bay Area in 2026, to build anything viable within the city limits amid the lack of real estate would really demonstrate how much soccer has risen here."

&#8220;The prospect of any new soccer stadium being built in San Francisco proper is an exciting one, as we are currently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/17/london-breed-jokes-she-plied-fifa-boss-with-secret-private-stash-wine-for-world-cup-bid/">building one in our own right at Treasure Island</a>,&#8221; said Ryan Maquiñana, a spokesperson for the Glens. &#8220;With the World Cup coming to the Bay Area in 2026, to build anything viable within the city limits amid the lack of real estate would really demonstrate how much soccer has risen here.&#8221;

However, members of City Football Club&#8217;s Board of Directors were less receptive to the idea of a new stadium in San Francisco.

However, members of City Football Club's Board of Directors were less receptive to the idea of a new stadium in San Francisco.

However, members of City Football Club&#8217;s Board of Directors were less receptive to the idea of a new stadium in San Francisco.

&#8220;We&#8217;re excited when soccer becomes a subject of interest in the city. However, we think a stadium to replace Westfield Centre is the wrong answer,&#8221; the board said. &#8220;This past season, we played home matches at Kezar Stadium and Boxer Stadium, both of which are very accessible, have lots of history and could benefit from a renovation.&#8221;

"We're excited when soccer becomes a subject of interest in the city. However, we think a stadium to replace Westfield Centre is the wrong answer," the board said. "This past season, we played home matches at Kezar Stadium and Boxer Stadium, both of which are very accessible, have lots of history and could benefit from a renovation."

&#8220;We&#8217;re excited when soccer becomes a subject of interest in the city. However, we think a stadium to replace Westfield Centre is the wrong answer,&#8221; the board said. &#8220;This past season, we played home matches at Kezar Stadium and Boxer Stadium, both of which are very accessible, have lots of history and could benefit from a renovation.&#8221;

Downtown San Francisco soccer stadium plans for former Westfield mall revealed

Joel Umanzor

The iconic sign above the former Nordstrom store at the San Francisco Centre mall was removed by workers on Friday afternoon.

The iconic sign above the former Nordstrom store at the San Francisco Centre mall was removed by workers on Friday afternoon.

Nordstrom closed its behemoth store in the former <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/27/san-francisco-nordstrom-shoppers-say-goodbye/">Westfield mall on Aug. 27</a>, almost <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">four months after it would shutter</a> both its Downtown San Francisco locations.

Inside the downtown San Francisco Nordstrom on its last day

Nordstrom to shutter both downtown San Francisco stores, citing difficult conditions

Nordstrom closed its behemoth store in the former <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/27/san-francisco-nordstrom-shoppers-say-goodbye/">Westfield mall on Aug. 27</a>, almost <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">four months after it would shutter</a> both its Downtown San Francisco locations.

The gold lettering was in the process of being removed by workers on Friday afternoon when The Standard visited.

The gold lettering was in the process of being removed by workers on Friday afternoon when The Standard visited.

French real estate company Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, which co-owns the building with Brookfield Properties, announced in June it&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">would give up control of the mall</a>&nbsp;and planned to default on a multimillion-dollar loan for the space. The mall has since been renamed San Francisco Centre.

French real estate company Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, which co-owns the building with Brookfield Properties, announced in June it&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">would give up control of the mall</a>&nbsp;and planned to default on a multimillion-dollar loan for the space. The mall has since been renamed San Francisco Centre.

The iconic Nordstrom sign was removed from the San Francisco Centre mall on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_4138.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203906"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The iconic Nordstrom sign was removed from the San Francisco Centre mall on Friday. </figcaption></figure>

Mayor London Breed has floated the idea of demolishing the mall and turning the space into a&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/downtown-san-francisco-soccer-stadium-plans-for-former-westfield-mall-revealed/">soccer stadium</a>.

Mayor London Breed has floated the idea of demolishing the mall and turning the space into a&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/downtown-san-francisco-soccer-stadium-plans-for-former-westfield-mall-revealed/">soccer stadium</a>.

San Francisco architect Mark Hogan also recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/legoland-to-downtown-san-franciscos-rescue-architect-has-bold-plan-to-fill-vacant-mall/">floated the left-field idea of turning the mall&#8217;s vacant department-store floors into a Legoland</a>.

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San Francisco architect Mark Hogan also recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/legoland-to-downtown-san-franciscos-rescue-architect-has-bold-plan-to-fill-vacant-mall/">floated the left-field idea of turning the mall's vacant department-store floors into a Legoland</a>.

San Francisco architect Mark Hogan also recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/legoland-to-downtown-san-franciscos-rescue-architect-has-bold-plan-to-fill-vacant-mall/">floated the left-field idea of turning the mall&#8217;s vacant department-store floors into a Legoland</a>.

A rendering of how the Legoland in the San Francisco Centre might look. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Legoland-San-Francisco-1.png?w=1344" alt="" class="wp-image-199116"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A rendering depicts how the Legoland in the San Francisco Centre might look. </figcaption></figure>

“I feel terrible about it,” Michael Tsang said as he walked down Fifth Street, “seeing it leave because of all of the drugs and crime around here.”

“I feel terrible about it,” Michael Tsang said as he walked down Fifth Street, “seeing it leave because of all of the drugs and crime around here.”

Vito Ferrara, who has been living in San Francisco for nine years, said any business moving into the former location should be concerned about the environment surrounding the mall.

Vito Ferrara, who has been living in San Francisco for nine years, said any business moving into the former location should be concerned about the environment surrounding the mall.

“I’ve seen people support themselves based on what they’ve been able to steal from this mall,” Ferrara said. “Anyone who moves into this spot will have to deal with that reality.”

“I’ve seen people support themselves based on what they’ve been able to steal from this mall,” Ferrara said. “Anyone who moves into this spot will have to deal with that reality.”

Ferrara said crime at the location should be worrisome for anyone moving their business into the Nordstrom location.

Ferrara said crime at the location should be worrisome for anyone moving their business into the Nordstrom location.

When the Nordstrom at the former Westfield San Francisco Centre mall opened in the fall of 1988, thousands lined up to see the department store&#8217;s spiral escalators and retractable skylight, the champagne and caviar bar, the five-star spa and the live pianist.

When the Nordstrom at the former Westfield San Francisco Centre mall opened in the fall of 1988, thousands lined up to see the department store's spiral escalators and retractable skylight, the champagne and caviar bar, the five-star spa and the live pianist.

When the Nordstrom at the former Westfield San Francisco Centre mall opened in the fall of 1988, thousands lined up to see the department store&#8217;s spiral escalators and retractable skylight, the champagne and caviar bar, the five-star spa and the live pianist.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield did not respond to a request for comment.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield did not respond to a request for comment.

Iconic San Francisco Nordstrom sign removed from old Westfield mall

A preliminary plan to turn the struggling San Francisco Centre, formerly the Westfield mall, into a soccer stadium was recently touted by Mayor London Breed as a way to revitalize the city economy.&nbsp;

A preliminary plan to turn the struggling San Francisco Centre, formerly the Westfield mall, into a soccer stadium was recently touted by Mayor London Breed as a way to revitalize the city economy.&nbsp;

Local business owners and storefront managers around the mall—who all said they’ve seen a decrease in foot traffic compared with pre-pandemic times—have mixed thoughts on whether replacing the retail space with a stadium will draw consumers back to Downtown.

Local business owners and storefront managers around the mall—who all said they’ve seen a decrease in foot traffic compared with pre-pandemic times—have mixed thoughts on whether replacing the retail space with a stadium will draw consumers back to Downtown.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/downtown-san-francisco-soccer-stadium-plans-for-former-westfield-mall-revealed/">Downtown San Francisco Soccer Stadium Plans for Former Westfield Mall Revealed</a>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/downtown-san-francisco-soccer-stadium-plans-for-former-westfield-mall-revealed/">Downtown San Francisco Soccer Stadium Plans for Former Westfield Mall Revealed</a>

Among the hopeful is John Konstin Jr., who co-owns <a href="https://www.johnsgrill.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John’s Grill</a>, a staple in the neighborhood that’s been around since 1908. He said a stadium would be a boon for business, and he is optimistic that city officials and developers will work together to get it built.&nbsp;

Among the hopeful is John Konstin Jr., who co-owns <a href="https://www.johnsgrill.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John’s Grill</a>, a staple in the neighborhood that’s been around since 1908. He said a stadium would be a boon for business, and he is optimistic that city officials and developers will work together to get it built.&nbsp;

“[A stadium] would make the Downtown area complete,” he said. “You’d have an entertainment venue space with all the restaurants, bars and shops in the area. Think about 25,000 people in the area and what it would do for business.”

“[A stadium] would make the Downtown area complete,” he said. “You’d have an entertainment venue space with all the restaurants, bars and shops in the area. Think about 25,000 people in the area and what it would do for business.”

But other managers are skeptical a stadium would do much to bring more foot traffic to the neighborhood.&nbsp;

But other managers are skeptical a stadium would do much to bring more foot traffic to the neighborhood.&nbsp;

Elias Gonzalez, the manager at Mel's Drive-in on Mission Street, doesn't think a soccer stadium would boost foot traffic in the area.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG-2274-rotated.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194754"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Elias Gonzalez, the manager at Mel&#8217;s Drive-in on Mission Street, doesn&#8217;t think a soccer stadium would boost foot traffic in the area.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG-2274-rotated.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194754"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Elias Gonzalez, the manager at Mel's Drive-in on Mission Street, doesn't think a soccer stadium would boost foot traffic in the area.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG-2274-rotated.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194754"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Elias Gonzalez, the manager at Mel&#8217;s Drive-in on Mission Street, doesn&#8217;t think a soccer stadium would boost foot traffic in the area.</figcaption></figure>

Elias Gonzalez, who’s managed the <a href="https://melsdrive-in.com/locations/northern-california/4th-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mel’s Drive-In on Mission Street</a> across from the mall for 10 years, said an event space would only draw customers for games or shows and would diminish business during weekdays.

Elias Gonzalez, who’s managed the <a href="https://melsdrive-in.com/locations/northern-california/4th-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mel’s Drive-In on Mission Street</a> across from the mall for 10 years, said an event space would only draw customers for games or shows and would diminish business during weekdays.

Gonzalez added that city officials would be better off refocusing their priorities.&nbsp;

Gonzalez added that city officials would be better off refocusing their priorities.&nbsp;

“The first step is cleaning up the streets,&#8221; Gonzalez said. &#8220;You can have a nice stadium, but if the surroundings are bad, then people won’t want to be there.”

“The first step is cleaning up the streets," Gonzalez said. "You can have a nice stadium, but if the surroundings are bad, then people won’t want to be there.”

“The first step is cleaning up the streets,&#8221; Gonzalez said. &#8220;You can have a nice stadium, but if the surroundings are bad, then people won’t want to be there.”

Jade Cordero, a barista at Caffé Central, a coffee shop in Union Square, said city officials should focus on addressing 'crimes and homelessness' before building a stadium.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG-2277-rotated.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194755"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jade Cordero, a barista at Caffé Centra in Union Square, said city officials should focus on addressing crimes and homelessness before building a stadium.</figcaption></figure>

This sentiment was also reflected by Jade Cordero, a barista at <a href="https://www.caffecentral.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caffé Central</a>, a coffee shop on O’Farrell Street just north of the San Francisco Centre.&nbsp;

This sentiment was also reflected by Jade Cordero, a barista at <a href="https://www.caffecentral.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caffé Central</a>, a coffee shop on O’Farrell Street just north of the San Francisco Centre.&nbsp;

“[City officials] should do something about the crimes and homelessness in the area first before doing all this development,” Cordero said.

“[City officials] should do something about the crimes and homelessness in the area first before doing all this development,” Cordero said.

Jarrod Jones, the assistant general manager at <a href="https://www.delarosasf.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delarosa Downtown</a>, a pizzeria down the street from the mall, said a soccer stadium may help, since the restaurant tends to get more customers during Giants and Warriors games.&nbsp;

Jarrod Jones, the assistant general manager at <a href="https://www.delarosasf.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delarosa Downtown</a>, a pizzeria down the street from the mall, said a soccer stadium may help, since the restaurant tends to get more customers during Giants and Warriors games.&nbsp;

Jarrod Jones, a manager at Delarosa, a pizzeria in Downtown San Francisco, said the restaurant gets more business during Giants and Warriors games.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG-2279-rotated.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194756"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jarrod Jones, a manager at Delarosa, said the pizzeria gets more business during Giants and Warriors games.</figcaption></figure>

But Jones also added that the city should focus on “cleaning up Downtown, cleaning up the Tenderloin” and devoting resources to programs for the homeless population before building a stadium.

But Jones also added that the city should focus on “cleaning up Downtown, cleaning up the Tenderloin” and devoting resources to programs for the homeless population before building a stadium.

Breed spoke briefly on the soccer stadium plans during a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/san-francisco-mayor-optimistic-says-downtown-is-primed-for-comeback/">meeting at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce</a> on Tuesday. Previously, Breed touted the idea of turning the mall into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/san-francisco-mayors-answer-to-downtown-malls-woes-lab-space/">lab space</a>.

Breed spoke briefly on the soccer stadium plans during a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/san-francisco-mayor-optimistic-says-downtown-is-primed-for-comeback/">meeting at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce</a> on Tuesday. Previously, Breed touted the idea of turning the mall into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/san-francisco-mayors-answer-to-downtown-malls-woes-lab-space/">lab space</a>.

City officials and architectural firm Gensler are working on preliminary plans and a feasibility study for the soccer stadium. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/downtown-san-francisco-soccer-stadium-plans-for-former-westfield-mall-revealed/">Renderings for the project</a>, which are conceptual and likely far from what a finished product would look like, were obtained by The Standard.

City officials and architectural firm Gensler are working on preliminary plans and a feasibility study for the soccer stadium. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/downtown-san-francisco-soccer-stadium-plans-for-former-westfield-mall-revealed/">Renderings for the project</a>, which are conceptual and likely far from what a finished product would look like, were obtained by The Standard.

Numerous stores have closed in San Francisco&#8217;s Downtown core, many of whose owners <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">cited unsafe conditions</a> in the area. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/san-francisco-ikea-opens-huge-line-furniture-meatballs-plant-balls/">new Ikea that opened Wednesday</a> nearby on Market Street <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/17/new-downtown-sf-ikea-will-have-nonstop-security-company-says-after-whole-foods-shutters/">announced that the store will feature</a> round-the-clock security.

Numerous stores have closed in San Francisco's Downtown core, many of whose owners <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">cited unsafe conditions</a> in the area. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/san-francisco-ikea-opens-huge-line-furniture-meatballs-plant-balls/">new Ikea that opened Wednesday</a> nearby on Market Street <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/17/new-downtown-sf-ikea-will-have-nonstop-security-company-says-after-whole-foods-shutters/">announced that the store will feature</a> round-the-clock security.

Numerous stores have closed in San Francisco&#8217;s Downtown core, many of whose owners <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">cited unsafe conditions</a> in the area. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/san-francisco-ikea-opens-huge-line-furniture-meatballs-plant-balls/">new Ikea that opened Wednesday</a> nearby on Market Street <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/17/new-downtown-sf-ikea-will-have-nonstop-security-company-says-after-whole-foods-shutters/">announced that the store will feature</a> round-the-clock security.

San Francisco business owners divided on downtown soccer stadium plans

A San Francisco architect has a kinda crazy idea for filling the former Westfield mall in Downtown that he thinks might just work. Forget Mayor London Breed’s idea for a soccer stadium, he says. Let’s go for Legoland.

A San Francisco architect has a kinda crazy idea for filling the former Westfield mall in Downtown that he thinks might just work. Forget Mayor London Breed’s idea for a soccer stadium, he says. Let’s go for Legoland.

Mark Hogan, the founder of the architecture firm OpenScope Studio, has been a thought leader in the revitalization of the city’s Downtown. Some of his concepts provided the foundation for <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=office-to-residential+conversion+legislation+sfstandard&amp;sca_esv=563870670&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;ei=DbX7ZLD0DbO_0PEP5tWpoAs&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjwroT7m5yBAxWzHzQIHeZqCrQQ4dUDCBA&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=office-to-residential+conversion+legislation+sfstandard&amp;gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiN29mZmljZS10by1yZXNpZGVudGlhbCBjb252ZXJzaW9uIGxlZ2lzbGF0aW9uIHNmc3RhbmRhcmQyBxAhGKABGAoyBxAhGKABGApI5hFQkgJYkBFwAXgBkAEBmAHAAqAB3Q6qAQcwLjIuNS4xuAEDyAEA-AEBwgIKEAAYRxjWBBiwA8ICBhAAGBYYHsICCBAAGIoFGIYDwgIFECEYoAHCAgUQIRirAsICCBAhGBYYHhgd4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGBQ&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the city’s legislation</a> to help ease the process of office-to-residential conversion.

Mark Hogan, the founder of the architecture firm OpenScope Studio, has been a thought leader in the revitalization of the city’s Downtown. Some of his concepts provided the foundation for <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=office-to-residential+conversion+legislation+sfstandard&amp;sca_esv=563870670&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;ei=DbX7ZLD0DbO_0PEP5tWpoAs&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjwroT7m5yBAxWzHzQIHeZqCrQQ4dUDCBA&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=office-to-residential+conversion+legislation+sfstandard&amp;gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiN29mZmljZS10by1yZXNpZGVudGlhbCBjb252ZXJzaW9uIGxlZ2lzbGF0aW9uIHNmc3RhbmRhcmQyBxAhGKABGAoyBxAhGKABGApI5hFQkgJYkBFwAXgBkAEBmAHAAqAB3Q6qAQcwLjIuNS4xuAEDyAEA-AEBwgIKEAAYRxjWBBiwA8ICBhAAGBYYHsICCBAAGIoFGIYDwgIFECEYoAHCAgUQIRirAsICCBAhGBYYHhgd4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGBQ&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the city’s legislation</a> to help ease the process of office-to-residential conversion.

Now he’s turned some of his mental energy to helping fill retail vacancies.

Now he’s turned some of his mental energy to helping fill retail vacancies.

Westfield <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">pulled its name off the mall</a> in June, and last month, Nordstrom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=nordstrom">officially closed its doors</a>, leaving a huge hole across five floors of the mall at 865 Market St., one that Hogan sees as an opportunity.

Westfield <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">pulled its name off the mall</a> in June, and last month, Nordstrom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=nordstrom">officially closed its doors</a>, leaving a huge hole across five floors of the mall at 865 Market St., one that Hogan sees as an opportunity.

“Ikea has opened up just down the street to big crowds and a lot of enthusiasm—Legoland is the obvious next step,” he wrote in <a href="https://openscopestudio.com/turn-the-westfield-mall-into-legoland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a blog post</a>.

“Ikea has opened up just down the street to big crowds and a lot of enthusiasm—Legoland is the obvious next step,” he wrote in <a href="https://openscopestudio.com/turn-the-westfield-mall-into-legoland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a blog post</a>.

Besides the soccer stadium, Breed has raised some pie-in-the-sky concepts for helping to usher in the next era of the property, including <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=westfield+lab+space&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;oq=westfield+lab+space&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j69i61.5255j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">converting its retail space into labs</a>.

Besides the soccer stadium, Breed has raised some pie-in-the-sky concepts for helping to usher in the next era of the property, including <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=westfield+lab+space&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;oq=westfield+lab+space&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j69i61.5255j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">converting its retail space into labs</a>.

Those ideas have gotten <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=westfield%20soccer">mixed reviews from the proprietors of surrounding businesses</a> who have questioned the costs and feasibility. There’s also the simple fact the city does not currently have a professional soccer team—and the mall still has dozens of operating stores.

Those ideas have gotten <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=westfield%20soccer">mixed reviews from the proprietors of surrounding businesses</a> who have questioned the costs and feasibility. There’s also the simple fact the city does not currently have a professional soccer team—and the mall still has dozens of operating stores.

“If we’re going to create an attraction like a soccer field, why not start with something that doesn’t require a $1 billion investment?” Hogan said. Plus, he noted, the mall already has a busy Lego Store.&nbsp;

“If we’re going to create an attraction like a soccer field, why not start with something that doesn’t require a $1 billion investment?” Hogan said. Plus, he noted, the mall already has a busy Lego Store.&nbsp;

With the mall’s central location in the city as well as its proximity to transit—the Powell Street BART Station, a Muni stop and a cable car turnaround are literally right there—Hogan argues a mini-theme park could act as a regional draw that could bring a regular flow of families Downtown. Unlike a soccer stadium, which is unlikely to be used every day, a Legoland could be open daily.

With the mall’s central location in the city as well as its proximity to transit—the Powell Street BART Station, a Muni stop and a cable car turnaround are literally right there—Hogan argues a mini-theme park could act as a regional draw that could bring a regular flow of families Downtown. Unlike a soccer stadium, which is unlikely to be used every day, a Legoland could be open daily.

“If we actually want to draw people to this neighborhood, there are a million lower-hanging pieces of fruit that we could be going after that would be a lot more practical,” Hogan said.

“If we actually want to draw people to this neighborhood, there are a million lower-hanging pieces of fruit that we could be going after that would be a lot more practical,” Hogan said.

Although the most well-known Legoland location is in Carlsbad, north of San Diego, a more fitting analog to Hogan’s idea can be seen an hour south of San Francisco at the Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area in Milpitas’ Great Mall.

Although the most well-known Legoland location is in Carlsbad, north of San Diego, a more fitting analog to Hogan’s idea can be seen an hour south of San Francisco at the Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area in Milpitas’ Great Mall.

The Bay Area's iconic structures are rendered in miniature at the Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area in Milpitas.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_8559-rotated.jpg?w=1875" alt="" class="wp-image-199132"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Bay Area&#8217;s iconic structures are rendered in miniature at the Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area in Milpitas.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_8559-rotated.jpg?w=1875" alt="" class="wp-image-199132"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Bay Area's iconic structures are rendered in miniature at the Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area in Milpitas.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_8559-rotated.jpg?w=1875" alt="" class="wp-image-199132"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Bay Area&#8217;s iconic structures are rendered in miniature at the Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area in Milpitas.</figcaption></figure>

The compact indoor amusement park has rides, Lego play zones and amazing re-creations of Bay Area landmarks (complete with an underground BART system that runs between the cities). Imagine a similar draw with those iconic San Francisco buildings within walking distance. Admission to the Legoland Discovery Center runs about $30 per person, or $120 for an annual pass.

The compact indoor amusement park has rides, Lego play zones and amazing re-creations of Bay Area landmarks (complete with an underground BART system that runs between the cities). Imagine a similar draw with those iconic San Francisco buildings within walking distance. Admission to the Legoland Discovery Center runs about $30 per person, or $120 for an annual pass.

There are currently 29 Legoland Discovery Centers worldwide and 14 in the United States. The indoor theme parks generally average around 30,000 to 35,000 square feet, which would mean around 10 Legolands fit into the 312,000 square feet vacated by Nordstrom.&nbsp;

There are currently 29 Legoland Discovery Centers worldwide and 14 in the United States. The indoor theme parks generally average around 30,000 to 35,000 square feet, which would mean around 10 Legolands fit into the 312,000 square feet vacated by Nordstrom.&nbsp;

Julie Estrada, a spokesperson for Merlin Entertainment, which owns and operates Legoland theme parks, did not comment specifically on the viability of the San Francisco proposal.

Julie Estrada, a spokesperson for Merlin Entertainment, which owns and operates Legoland theme parks, did not comment specifically on the viability of the San Francisco proposal.

&#8220;Merlin Entertainments is always looking for new opportunities to bring attractions and Merlin Magic Spaces to areas around the world,&#8221; Estrada said.

"Merlin Entertainments is always looking for new opportunities to bring attractions and Merlin Magic Spaces to areas around the world," Estrada said.

&#8220;Merlin Entertainments is always looking for new opportunities to bring attractions and Merlin Magic Spaces to areas around the world,&#8221; Estrada said.

Hogan notes that a Legoland is only one of the potential uses for the vacant space. Other ideas he threw out included a maker space, a co-working location, a seasonal events location or a place to incubate small businesses.

Hogan notes that a Legoland is only one of the potential uses for the vacant space. Other ideas he threw out included a maker space, a co-working location, a seasonal events location or a place to incubate small businesses.

Hogan, who originally hails from Buffalo, said he’s heard his fair share of silver bullet ideas to revitalize ailing Rust Belt cities. What has worked more often than not, however, has been more of a grassroots transformation.

Hogan, who originally hails from Buffalo, said he’s heard his fair share of silver bullet ideas to revitalize ailing Rust Belt cities. What has worked more often than not, however, has been more of a grassroots transformation.

“The story in most of the Rust Belt is that the things that were most successful were the things that were very bottom-up and incrementally developed over time versus, &#8216;Let’s tear down a bunch of buildings to cram in a giant thing that’s going to save the city,&#8217;” Hogan said.

“The story in most of the Rust Belt is that the things that were most successful were the things that were very bottom-up and incrementally developed over time versus, 'Let’s tear down a bunch of buildings to cram in a giant thing that’s going to save the city,'” Hogan said.

“The story in most of the Rust Belt is that the things that were most successful were the things that were very bottom-up and incrementally developed over time versus, &#8216;Let’s tear down a bunch of buildings to cram in a giant thing that’s going to save the city,&#8217;” Hogan said.

The hits keep on coming for the beleaguered San Francisco Centre mall with the scheduled closure of the two-story Adidas store at 865 Market St. later this month.

The hits keep on coming for the beleaguered San Francisco Centre mall with the scheduled closure of the two-story Adidas store at 865 Market St. later this month.

A customer service representative confirmed that the Downtown San Francisco store will be closing on Jan. 13 and the vast majority of merchandise will be subject to a 50% discount. Notably, Adidas&#8217; popular Samba and Gazelle shoe lines are exempt from the sale.

A customer service representative confirmed that the Downtown San Francisco store will be closing on Jan. 13 and the vast majority of merchandise will be subject to a 50% discount. Notably, Adidas' popular Samba and Gazelle shoe lines are exempt from the sale.

A customer service representative confirmed that the Downtown San Francisco store will be closing on Jan. 13 and the vast majority of merchandise will be subject to a 50% discount. Notably, Adidas&#8217; popular Samba and Gazelle shoe lines are exempt from the sale.

The shuttering of the only Adidas store in San Francisco means that the closest retail location for the brand is at the San Francisco Premium Outlets in Livermore.

The shuttering of the only Adidas store in San Francisco means that the closest retail location for the brand is at the San Francisco Premium Outlets in Livermore.

Last June, mall owners Westfield and its partner Brookfield <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">decided to cease loan payments</a> on the mall and cede the property to its lenders, citing declines in foot traffic and issues with street conditions.

Last June, mall owners Westfield and its partner Brookfield <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">decided to cease loan payments</a> on the mall and cede the property to its lenders, citing declines in foot traffic and issues with street conditions.

Search Results for: westfield soccer

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