The funding would bring the city’s total commitment to $15.4 million toward the $120 million project, with a full funding vote expected this summer.
EVERETT, Wash. — The Everett City Council is set to vote Wednesday on whether to release an additional $10.6 million to advance the design and partial property acquisition of a proposed downtown stadium that would serve as the future home of the Everett AquaSox minor league baseball team.
The funding, if approved, would bring the city’s total commitment to roughly $15.4 million toward the Everett Outdoor Event Center — a $120 million project that has been in development since 2022. A full funding vote is expected this summer.
The additional money would be split evenly — $7.7 million toward completing the stadium’s design and consultant services and $7.7 million toward acquiring properties at the downtown site, according to city documents.
The project was set in motion after Major League Baseball introduced new minimum facility standards for minor league teams in 2021. The AquaSox’s current home, Funko Field, does not meet those standards. The team has faced financial penalties each season it continues to play there.
City documents describe the proposed Everett Outdoor Event Center as a 5,000‑seat outdoor venue designed to convert between professional baseball and soccer, with plans to host the Everett AquaSox as well as potential men’s and women’s teams from the United Soccer League.
The AquaSox, who have played in Everett since 1984, are expected to be the anchor tenant at the new facility. City officials say lease negotiations are ongoing.
Project costs have increased from earlier estimates. Current city figures break down total expenses into roughly $66 million for construction and sales tax, about $35 million for property acquisition and approximately $19 million for design, engineering and permitting.
The Washington State Department of Commerce has committed $7.4 million toward the project. According to the city, those funds become accessible once Everett secures sufficient control of the proposed site. City staff report 14 property offers have been made, with some purchase agreements completed and others still pending.
If the city council approves the latest funding ordinance, city timelines show construction would begin after full site control is secured, potentially as early as September, with project completion targeted for late 2027.
If the council approves Wednesday night’s funding ordinance, the city aims to have construction underway by this fall, with the stadium opening in late 2027.
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