Project Introduction
City Collective was engaged to lead the development of a venue master plan for the San Francisco Unicorns, a Major League Cricket franchise, for their 2025 season. The plan focused on identifying and preparing a site that meets International Cricket Council (ICC) standards, supports the team’s operational needs, and fosters deep community engagement. Through extensive site analysis and collaboration with stakeholders, City Collective helped position the Unicorns to capitalize on the rapidly growing popularity of cricket in the Bay Area while setting the stage for the team’s permanent venue.
Key Project Challenges
The project faced numerous challenges, including the need to identify a site capable of accommodating ICC-compliant field dimensions and spectator facilities, all within a tight timeline leading up to the 2025 cricket season. Site selection also had to account for infrastructure readiness, accessibility to public transit, and community integration, while ensuring minimal environmental and logistical disruptions. Additionally, navigating permitting requirements and landowner agreements presented significant hurdles, particularly for high-profile locations like the Oakland Coliseum.
Key Project Innovations
City Collective employed a multi-criteria assessment (MCA) framework to evaluate potential sites, ultimately recommending the Oakland Coliseum for its existing infrastructure, excellent transit connectivity, and ability to meet ICC standards with minimal modifications. The plan proposed innovative solutions, including temporary grandstands, adaptive reuse of existing facilities, and experiential spectator amenities like field-side clubs and hospitality zones. By leveraging the Coliseum’s visibility and regional significance, the plan not only ensured a seamless transition for the Unicorns but also created a model for community-oriented sports venue development in the Bay.
Project News
Client
San Francisco Unicorns
Location
Oakland, CA, USA
Primary sector
Sports & Community
Value
$10M USD
Project years
2024 – 2025
Services provided
Urban Design, Architecture, City Planning, Landscape Architecture
Project team
Principal-in-Charge – Justin Kearnan
Project Manager – Justin Kearnan
Design Lead – Abigail Gillin
Collaborators
WT Partnership
Client references
“City Collective’s expertise, professionalism, and dedication were instrumental in helping us meet the rigorous requirements necessary to secure the Oakland Coliseum as our home venue for Major League Cricket in 2025. From the beginning, City Collective approached the project with deep insight and a collaborative spirit, ensuring every detail was addressed with precision. Thanks to their efforts, we are now poised to bring world-class cricket to the Bay Area in a truly iconic venue. On behalf of the entire San Francisco Unicorns organization, thank you for being a trusted partner in this exciting journey. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
– David White, CEO, San Francisco Unicorns
