Columbia Council Will Vote on Soccer Stadium Deal

The city will decide on a memorandum of understanding with Hometown Soccer Holdings on October 6, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Soccer

Columbia Council Will Vote on Soccer Stadium Deal

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Columbia City Council is scheduled to vote on a stadium development deal with Hometown Soccer Holdings on October 6, 2026. This memorandum of understanding represents a primary step in the potential expansion of professional soccer into the city.

Why it matters

The proposed deal highlights Columbia's growing ambition to host professional soccer clubs through the MLS NEXT Pro league. Hometown Soccer Holdings is currently focused on leveraging partnerships with Major League Soccer to establish franchises in new, targeted regional markets.

A 2024 exhibition game at Williams-Brice Stadium drew 77,000 fans and generated $13 million in local economic impact. The city previously gained international visibility as a potential base camp for 2026 World Cup teams.

The players

Columbia City Council

This is the primary governing body responsible for legislative decisions and land development approvals in the city of Columbia.

Hometown Soccer Holdings

This organization partners with Major League Soccer to expand professional soccer footprints through the MLS NEXT Pro league.

University of South Carolina

This public research university serves as a major regional institution and previously provided facilities for professional soccer training.

The details

The memorandum of understanding serves as a preliminary framework for potential stadium construction and professional team recruitment. This move follows years of regional interest, including the University of South Carolina hosting the Fluminense FC squad in 2025.

Hometown Soccer Holdings launched operations in 2022.
The Rivals in Red exhibition game occurred in August 2024.
The University of South Carolina hosted Fluminense FC in 2025.
The Columbia City Council vote is set for October 6, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This stadium deal mirrors the expansion of the MLS NEXT Pro league expansion model in other municipal markets. The agreement marks a departure from the city's role as a temporary host toward becoming a permanent franchise home.

The vote determines whether Columbia moves forward with professional soccer infrastructure that could alter local event scheduling and stadium usage patterns. If approved, the project will move into a phase of site selection and franchise development.

The takeaway

The upcoming vote marks a significant shift in Columbia's professional sports strategy from hosting exhibitions to sustaining a permanent team. Residents should monitor the council's decision as it sets the stage for future infrastructure and professional development projects.