San Diego FC Partners with Sharp HealthCare for State-of-the-Art Training Facility

Jan 10, 2025 at 11:14 AM

The newly established Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, San Diego FC, has secured a significant partnership with Sharp HealthCare. This collaboration includes the naming rights to their new performance center and residential academy, as well as various marketing privileges. The deal also positions Sharp as one of the club’s premier partners. Additionally, the facility will serve both professional and youth teams, featuring multiple outdoor fields and being part of an extensive campus redevelopment project.

A Multi-Million Dollar Partnership Unfolds

This strategic alliance between San Diego FC and Sharp HealthCare encompasses a decade-long agreement that bestows Sharp with the naming rights to the performance center. The partnership places Sharp among the top-tier supporters of the club, granting them substantial marketing influence in healthcare and insurance sectors. The financial value of this contract is substantial, reportedly ranking within the highest tier of similar agreements for MLS training facilities. Furthermore, Sharp will actively participate in community engagement initiatives alongside the team.

Sharp HealthCare's involvement extends beyond mere sponsorship. They will play a pivotal role in promoting health awareness through collaborative efforts with San Diego FC. One such initiative includes recognizing outstanding community members during matches. Another notable venture involves constructing mini-pitches within local neighborhoods, fostering grassroots football development. Legends, a renowned consultancy firm, facilitated negotiations between the two parties, ensuring a mutually beneficial arrangement was reached.

An Innovative Sports and Education Hub Takes Shape

The newly inaugurated Sharp HealthCare Performance Center spans over 50,000 square feet and is nestled on a vast expanse of land owned by the Sycuan tribe in El Cajon, California. This location holds strategic importance as the tribe co-owns the franchise. The center will host official training sessions starting from Monday, serving not only the first team but also nurturing young talent from grades six to twelve via the Right to Dream Academy. The academy aims to provide comprehensive education and athletic training under one roof.

Beyond the performance center, the entire campus covers an impressive 125,000 square feet. It incorporates ten existing hotel structures that will be transformed into accommodations for students, staff, and guests. Renowned architectural firm Gensler designed this ambitious project, while Zephyr, a local development partner, oversees its execution. AECOM, a leading general contractor, ensures the timely completion of construction. This integrated sports and educational hub promises to become a beacon for athletic excellence and community growth in San Diego.