Downtown Fresno sports revival takes shape with Falcons' return, new soccer stadium

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The city of Fresno is continuing to be revamped.

Downtown will soon be home to the Fresno Falcons once again.

"Let's sell out Selland Arena," Fresno mayor Jerry Dyer said.

Come October, for the first time in 17 years, the blue and gold will hit the ice.

"There will be the odd fisticuff, but there's going to be goals," FPHL managing consultant Scott Brand said. "There's going to be excitement. These are talented hockey players."

Along with hockey, plans are in place to expand soccer in the city.

"A 7000-person stadium in Chinatown surrounded by a hotel, restaurants, bars and retail," Dyer explained. "I am absolutely confident we can and we will make this happen without putting the city's general fund at risk."

Those announcements come as Mayor Dyer addressed the state of the city on Wednesday, highlighting the past, present and upcoming projects throughout Fresno.

"Fire station 12 on Ashlan near Valentine will be complete in July of this year," Dyer stated. "The newly constructed 911 Communication Center will be operational by November this year."

Market rate and affordable housing are also underway with the city's restored pro-housing designation.

"Additional funding streams will become available to the city of Fresno and affordable housing developers, and I'm talking tens of millions of dollars will become available to the city," Dyer explained.

Many other developments, like a parking structure on North Fulton, Mariposa Plaza, additional parks and much more, all serve as a part of the mayor's efforts to build a better Fresno.

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