Plans to construct a national cricket stadium at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds have been officially abandoned, following a series of negotiations that failed to yield a viable proposal. Initially proposed four years ago, the stadium was intended to support local, national, and international cricket matches. However, a combination of internal challenges and shifting priorities has derailed the project.
In 2022, county officials and leaders of Major League Cricket engaged in discussions to lease 12 acres of land at the fairgrounds. These negotiations continued over two years, but complications arose following a restructuring of the national league, which coincided with an internal power struggle. As a result, the focus shifted towards the local team, the San Francisco Unicorns, which currently plays at the Oakland Coliseum.
County officials decided to terminate the latest round of negotiations, which began in 2024, after the Unicorns failed to meet a deadline for a feasible proposal. Sources close to the team, who requested anonymity, indicated that the situation was more complex than merely missing deadlines.
According to insiders, the estimated costs associated with building the stadium became untenable. There was also a lack of clarity regarding the county’s long-term vision for the fairgrounds, which was further complicated by simultaneous agreements being pursued with San Jose State University for a track and field facility and the San Jose Earthquakes for a new sports complex.
In October 2024, county leaders announced a reset on the broader planning vision for the fairgrounds, initiating a new master planning process for the 165-acre public property. James Williams, County Executive, expressed optimism for the future, stating, “We look forward to having the right structure in place in order to achieve success and unlock the extraordinary potential of the fairgrounds for the benefit of the surrounding neighborhood and entire Santa Clara County community.”
Planning issues have emerged from what officials describe as a significant disconnect between the county, which owns the property, and an independent management board created to oversee day-to-day operations. County leaders are seeking to consolidate control by replacing the existing five-member fairgrounds board with a three-member board consisting of two county employees and an independent director nominated by county administration. This proposal is expected to be revisited in the coming month.
The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds has struggled with underutilization for years. In 2019, the Board of Supervisors voted to evaluate various options for the site, which included proposals for a cricket field, a county park, and a hotel. However, advocates for the homeless have also raised concerns, pushing for housing and services at the fairgrounds, which has led to disappointment regarding the county’s focus on sports facilities.
A representative from the Unicorns acknowledged that while Santa Clara County remains an ideal location, it is now just one of several potential sites in the Bay Area. The team has recently hired a chief real estate officer with expertise in local developments, who is exploring options across various cities and counties. The representative emphasized that clear long-term plans from the county would facilitate more constructive discussions.
The deal with the San Jose Earthquakes also fell through in 2024, as county supervisors dismissed a proposal as a “sweetheart deal,” arguing that it would provide insufficient benefits to taxpayers.
District 2 Supervisor Betty Duong highlighted the importance of the fairgrounds serving the county’s 2 million residents. “We are exploring options for the best possible future for the site,” she stated, emphasizing economic development and improved quality of life for local neighborhoods.
District 5 Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga reiterated the need to maximize the utilization of the fairgrounds while considering revenue-generating opportunities. “I am open to considering all options as we decide what is best and highest use,” she said.
As the county grapples with its priorities and plans for the fairgrounds, the future of sports facilities, including the cricket stadium, remains uncertain.
