Arizona United SC moves to Scottsdale Stadium for 2015 season

The Arizona United Soccer Club announced Scottsdale Stadium will be the team's home for the 2015 USL PRO season.

The announcement came via a notice to season ticket holders and a press release issued by the team early Tuesday morning.

“This is the next step in professional soccer’s evolution in Arizona,” Arizona United Soccer Club owner Kyle Eng said through the release. “Our mission is to serve the entire Arizona soccer community, and this move will bring the beautiful game to a wider audience. With Scottsdale Stadium’s proximity to restaurants and nightlife in Downtown Scottsdale, our supporters will enjoy a game day experience that is second to none.”

Scottsdale Mayor W. J. "Jim" Lane was on hand as members of the Arizona United organization toured the stadium complex Tuesday afternoon.

"Given the popularity of soccer worldwide, and the growing popularity of soccer in the United States, I can only imagine [playing in Scottsdale] is going to positive," Lane said. "We're always looking for the right kind of connection for Scottsdale. Having an event, particularly a sports related event, is an added experience. It's always a plus for us."

Lane also said proximity to downtown Scottsdale will benefit the business and soccer fans alike. Arizona United's season will begin just as the busiest tourist season is waning.

"This is a big plus," Lane said.  "For our downtown, at that point in the season, there will be a lot of things [visitors] can do downtown."

Lane added he doesn't foresee any issues moving crowds in and out of the area on game days.

"We have facilities that are really wide open that time of year," Lane said. "We're not into the heavy season with an influx of a lot of visitors.

"You're going to have free parking. It's a mainstay and a requirement of the City of Scottsdale. There's more than enough capacity to meet the needs [Arizona United] anticipates."

Arizona United's newest signee, Rob Valentino, is also excited about the team's move to Scottsdale.

"I've been describing it as my big kid dream come true," Valentino said.  "When I was a young kid I didn't have the dream to be able to play professional soccer in my backyard and know I do.

"It feels good to be home with family and friends and now to be in Scottsdale, it's great. This is where I grew up playing with Sereno. It will be fun to play in professional games here."

Scottsdale Stadium is located at 7408 E. Osborn Rd, just east of Scottsdale Road between Thomas and Indian School Roads.

Representatives from Arizona United SC flank Scottsdale Mayor W. J. "Jim" Lane during a visit to Scottsdale Stadium. Pictured are (l to r) Brad Stisser, Asst. Coach Cory Robertson, Head Coach Mike Dellorusso, Mayor Lane, General Manager Kevin Stevenson, Scott Morrison, Rob Valentino.