LAFC was honored today by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for its record-breaking season and contributions to the County of Los Angeles. LAFC supporters and members of leadership, including President and Co-Owner Tom Penn and EVP and Chief Business Officer Larry Freedman, were on hand for the presentation led by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas who oversees the County’s Second Supervisorial District, home to the Banc of California Stadium.
“In its inaugural season, LAFC has established itself as a force both on and off the field. Besides thrilling fans by qualifying for the playoffs with 57 goals — a record for a Major League Soccer expansion team — LAFC further propelled Los Angeles County's creative economy. Construction of the Banc of California represented a $350 million investment in South LA, creating thousands of jobs in and around the stadium. I commend LAFC on a stellar year, but I know the best is still to come.” said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.
“We wouldn’t be the club we are today without the steadfast support and partnership of the County,” said LAFC President and Co-Owner Tom Penn. “We look forward to continuing to work together to invest in our communities, create economic opportunity and deliver joy in the Heart of Los Angeles.”
From its inception, LAFC has demonstrated a strong commitment to its surrounding community and the Greater Los Angeles area. Last year the club established The LAFC Foundation to implement programs in underserved schools and neighborhoods, with a focus on South Los Angeles. More than 7,000 tickets have been distributed to residents of the community, and
Banc of California Stadium includes 125,000 square feet of publicly accessible plazas and open space.
Banc of California Stadium was built under a project labor agreement. Over $70 million was invested in the construction workforce, which achieved its goal of 40% local hires, and more than $25 million was invested into communities within 10 miles of the stadium. Over 3,000 workers were employed during its construction.
“Everything we do is driven by our desire to be a force for good in Los Angeles,” said EVP and Chief Business Officer Larry Freedman. “From our aspirational goals on the construction of Banc of California Stadium to our outreach in the community, LAFC is and always has been far more than what happens on the pitch. Our Club has been and continues to be shaped, directly or indirectly, by input and feedback from our fans, supporters and corporate and community partners at every level.”
