San Francisco Velodrome LLC has been formed to develop the velodrome, which will accommodate a 5,000-seat cycling arena, plus have a custom-designed seating system, capable of expanding to 6-7,000 for non-cycling events.
In addition to track cycling, events to be held at the facility include local, national and international competition in basketball, boxing, tennis, arena football, indoor track and field, squash, martial arts and gymnastics.
Concerts and other non-sports events are also planned for the arena.
The business model for developing the Velodrome was influenced by recent reports that the high cost of attending major league sports is pricing out the average fan, while niche sports and extreme sports properties such as the X Games and Gravity Games are enjoying commercial success.
USA Cycling, which may consider relocating the US national track team from Colorado Springs, Colorado, has given its support to the proposed arena. University of San Francisco is also in the market for a home for some of its events, according to Bill Hogan, executive director of the USF Athletics Department.
The San Francisco Velodrome LLC project team anticipates opening the facility in early 2005.
The team is currently reviewing potential sites; discussing its plans with architect HOK Sport; and working with CSL International, which specialises in feasibility studies, programming, and financial analysis.
The project team is also negotiating with a major national facility management company to manage all aspects of the facility, from day-to-day operations through lining up sports and entertainment programmes.
