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≡ CHULA VISTA ≡
The lease for the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center was extended by the City of Chula Vista at its 16 December Council meeting, with a 10-year term awarded to its existing operator, Elite Athlete Services, LLC.
Originally built as a U.S. Olympic Committee training facility in 1995, it was transferred to the City of Chula Vista in 2016. The City, in turn, leased the facility to Elite Athlete Services, which has run it since then.
The continuing success of the center allowed for the new, 10-year lease to 31 December 2035, with an extension available for two added years.
The CVEATC has made enough money to allow the new agreement to contemplate capital improvements, which were not specified. Elite Athlete Services President Brian Melekian explained at the City Council meeting:
“We’re the home of U.S. Archery, we’re the home of U.S. Rugby, we’re the home of U.S. Paralympic track & field, we’re also a home of U.S. Soccer, a home of US Rowing, a home of a number of other national governing bodies.
“We also extend beyond just the United States; we’re essentially the home of Team Canada as they prepare for the Olympics in 2028, and a number of other international bodies.
“In Paris in 2024, 92 medals were won [by athletes at the training center]. If we were our own country, we would be sixth in the world on the medal table.”
Melekian hopes that 100 medals will be won by U.S. athletes who train at the Center for 2028. Several soccer teams also train at the Center, with German power Bayern Munich coming to train in January. By the numbers:
● 155-acre campus, with 30 acres still undeveloped
● 20 sports in training at 16 specific facilities
● 297-bed residence facilities on the campus
● Full-service, 24-hours-a-day dining (1,000 meals/day)
The Center has a right of first refusal to host the February 2028 US Rowing Olympic Trials, and expects other events to be held there related to the 2028 Olympic Games.
The agreement includes a $500,000 annual fee to Event Athlete Services and a share of net profits, a portion of which is to go to capital improvement projects.
Council members were concerned about costs to use the facilities, but the Center also needs to maintain reasonable finances and capital improvements will be aimed at revenue increases. Melekian noted that a future gymnasium and an artificial turf would make a significant difference in the attractiveness of the facility.
The resolution to approve the finalization of the agreement passed by a 5-0 vote.
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