Plans for future Everett stadium, where AquaSox and USL soccer would play, refined

The Everett City Council is advancing plans for a new outdoor events center that will host the AquaSox minor league baseball team and a new USL soccer franchise. Council members received an update and reviewed an ordinance allocating $20 million for property acquisitions necessary for the facility. This center will replace most of a downtown block, targeting commercial businesses along Pacific Avenue and other streets. Project director Scott Pattison highlighted its potential as a dynamic community venue for concerts and cultural events, comparing it to Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. The ordinance empowers the mayor to negotiate deals with businesses, with each deal requiring council approval.

It also allows for the use of eminent domain if necessary. The council plans to vet nonprofit partners and vote on the property acquisition ordinance at its June 11 meeting. The city aims for transparency in the project, with a commitment to relocating affected businesses.