Conyers' Pro Soccer Complex Set to Open Ahead of Atlanta's World Cup Buzz in 2026

Conyers, a city located in the eastern suburbs of Atlanta, is gearing up for the establishment of an ambitious sports complex capable of hosting professional soccer matches. The project, spearheaded by Dutch developer Patrick Vierhout, aims to open its doors in time for the World Cup festivities in Atlanta in 2026. This article delves into Vierhout's vision for the complex, its potential impact on Conyers, and the exciting prospects it holds for the region.

Patrick Vierhout, owner of the East Atlanta Dutch Lions football club and Sportiff USA Sports Apparel, has acquired 286 acres of land adjacent to the Georgia International Horse Park for his ambitious sports complex project. The site, largely unchanged since the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Conyers, once hosted equestrian and mountain-biking events. At the center of Vierhout's vision is a versatile outdoor soccer stadium with a seating capacity of 10,000, intended to be the home base for a women's professional soccer team. Additionally, the stadium has the potential to host World Cup matches, drawing substantial crowds and bringing approximately 700 jobs to the site.

The Conyers City Council recently approved the sale of the land to Vierhout's Sportiff Real Estate LLC for $7.1 million. The developer now has 45 days to present detailed concepts for the complex, which extends beyond the outdoor stadium. Vierhout's proposal includes a range of amenities and facilities, such as a 400-room hotel, dedicated complexes for tennis and track and field, retail shops, a disc golf course, an education building, and a manufacturing facility for Sportiff sports apparel. The plan also incorporates four restaurants, a bar, and an indoor sports complex spanning 675,000 square feet, developed in partnership with Spooky Nooks Sports, featuring playing fields and courts for various sports.

Vierhout envisions completing the outdoor stadium and primary sports facilities as the initial phase of the project within approximately two years. This ambitious timeline is aimed at potentially hosting World Cup matches. Unlike previous proposals for the site, Vierhout's plan does not involve tax abatements or free land, demonstrating a commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership with the city. Conyers Mayor Vince Evans expressed enthusiasm, stating that the development would be "the biggest thing to happen to Conyers since the Olympics" and emphasizing the long-lasting impact it would bring to the community, beyond the 17 days of events during the 1996 Games.

Amidst the development plans, Vierhout has assured cycling and equestrian enthusiasts that the mountain biking and horseback riding trails established during the Conyers Olympic venue will remain intact. This commitment ensures that the legacy of the area as a destination for these sports will continue alongside the new pro soccer complex.

Conyers' forthcoming pro soccer complex, spearheaded by Patrick Vierhout, is set to open its doors ahead of Atlanta's World Cup celebrations in 2026. With a versatile outdoor stadium, extensive sports facilities, and a range of amenities, the complex holds tremendous potential to become a major sports destination. As the project moves forward, it is poised to bring economic growth, job opportunities, and lasting benefits to the community, cementing Conyers' status as a vibrant sports hub in the East Atlanta region.

John Paulus is a licensed Real Estate Broker in Georgia.