LAFC's Soccer Operations headquarters and Performance Center are located on the campus of Cal State LA, in east Los Angeles. Plans for the facilities were approved by the California State University Board of Trustees.
Known internally as "the PC," the Performance Center is the home of LAFC's players, staff, coaches, youth development teams, and the LAFC Academy. LAFC supports Cal State LA students through internships and collaborations with university educational programs.
“This project will create a great deal of excitement on our campus and will connect Cal State LA to partners who share a commitment to our students,” Cal State LA President William A. Covino said when the project was approved. “The benefits of this partnership to Cal State LA and the region we serve will surely multiply over time.”
The facility, designed by Gensler Sports, features a natural grass field that mirrors the one at BMO Stadium. The PC also features state-of-the-art locker rooms, sports medicine facilities, and office space for LAFC coaches and staff. Its design incorporates the campus’ industrial and modernist design style.
“This performance center is unparalleled and uniquely Los Angeles,” LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington said. “The building itself incorporates innovative indoor-outdoor spaces and is unlike anything I’ve seen the world over. Any player would love to train at this world-class facility. The central location is ideal for our Academy programming, and our ownership’s investment enables us to align our soccer operation from LAFC’s MLS team to our youngest players.”
The LAFC partnership has created new academic and career opportunities for kinesiology, nursing, and business students, among others. LAFC is also helping Cal State LA develop a new sports management program.
“From the beginning, our ownership has been intentional about uniting the world’s city through the world’s game, and this partnership provides yet another deep and lasting connection in the heart of our great city,” Thorrington said. “We are proud to be making this investment to benefit both the students of Cal State LA and the future of LAFC.”
“LAFC is our educational partner, not just a professional soccer team,” said CSULA executive vice president and provost José Gómez. “They’ve shown a commitment to the heart of the city, and Cal State LA’s students will benefit.”
While building its performance center at Cal State LA, LAFC pledged an additional $1.5 million to the university, which comes on the heels of a $100,000 contribution LAFC made to the Cal State LA athletic department.
