PFC, City of Langford sign one-year agreement
Pacific FC will play its 2024 Canadian Premier League soccer season in Starlight Stadium with the foundation possibly being laid for several more seasons in the Langford facility.
The City of Langford council approved a one-year stadium use agreement with PFC, the city announced Wednesday. According to Langford, contract negotiations were triggered when Pacific FC did not exercise its unilateral right to renew the contract for another five-year term on June 30, 2023.
“Knowing how important the team is to the community, and the wider region, council directed staff to negotiate another five-year contract that benefits the club and the community,” a City of Langford statement said.
“While the city would have preferred a new five-year agreement to solidify PFC’s long-term future in Langford, at PFC’s request, the city agreed to a one-year term to allow the parties to negotiate more fully on a longer-term contract. This one-year agreement includes improvements, and additions to the previous contract terms, as requested by PFC.”
The statement did not elaborate on what the additions and improvements to the previous contract will entail. The city added it is working with PFC to secure a five-year agreement before the end of the 2024 season.
“PFC brings an array of community benefits related to economic development and social impact. Council recognizes this and greatly values Pacific FC’s presence,” Langford mayor Scott Goodmanson said in a statement.
“We remain committed to collaborating with Pacific FC to see them play in Langford for many years to come.”
PFC opens the 2024 CPL season on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Starlight Stadium against the HFX Wanderers of Halifax.
As part of contract negotiations, PFC also requested to explore alternative recreational uses for its indoor training facility in Langford in collaboration with the city. The facility was built in 2019 on city owned land as part of a partnership agreement with PFC and the city for the benefit of youth soccer development and wider community uses. The indoor facility review will consider wider community recreation opportunities, said the city.