By Tom Hoban / Herald Forum
Big ideas often begin quietly; with a vision for what a community can become when it works together.
In Everett, that spirit of collaboration has helped transform the waterfront, expand access to health care and higher education and reimagine how we connect by air and rail. Time and again, when civic leaders, business owners, and residents align behind a shared vision, remarkable things happen.
The proposed new multi-purpose stadium in downtown Everett has the potential to be another one of those transformational projects. While its initial purpose is to meet Major League Baseball standards and retain the Everett AquaSox Minor League Baseball team, the opportunity extends well beyond baseball. This stadium is being designed to host professional soccer teams, concerts, community events and outdoor experiences that simply aren’t feasible at the current Funko Field.
Strategically located in the heart of downtown Everett, the new stadium site is surrounded by amenities that support a full entertainment experience. With light rail expected to arrive in the coming years, thousands of fans will be able to access the stadium within blocks, dramatically reducing parking pressure and increasing accessibility.
Naturally, big projects like this invite scrutiny and spark debate. That’s healthy; and expected. But when communities come together to fully understand the opportunity and weigh the long-term benefits, consensus often follows. Everett has seen this story unfold before: What once seemed unlikely can become not just possible, but successful.
One of the most encouraging aspects of this proposal is the thoughtful approach to funding. The Stadium Fiscal Advisory Committee that I was part of partnered with Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin and city leaders to craft a plan that avoids increases to B&O taxes while delivering on a bold vision for the city.
The new stadium isn’t just a venue; it’s a catalyst. A project that, like so many before it, reflects Everett’s growing reputation as a place where people want to live, work and play. It’s a chance to write the next chapter in the region’s development, grounded in partnership, vision and a shared belief in what’s possible.
Tom Hoban, co-founder of The Coast Group of Companies in Everett, served on Mayor Cassie Franklin’s Stadium Fiscal Advisory Committee.
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