Work Begins on Stadium for Indoor Soccer

Construction crews have kicked off work on Ventura County’s first indoor-soccer stadium, which should be open by September.

The sport is coming to Camarillo. The land has been graded, underground electrical work is underway and pouring of concrete begins this week, said Steve Genovese, a co-partner in Kalifornia Indoor Soccer Stadiums (KISS).

The open-air lighted facility will be about 10 feet below the grade of Camarillo Springs Road, with seating for about 100 spectators.

“After pouring concrete, we’ll put down the blacktop, and Astroturf goes over that, and then we’ll start constructing the dasher boards, which is the framework for the arena itself,” Genovese said.

Although it’s called indoor soccer, it’s actually played outdoors. The stadium is similar to a hockey arena with 4- to 8-foot-high boards around the perimeter and on the curves. The goal boards are 10 feet high and the field is 185 feet long and 85 feet wide.

With six players on each side, Genovese said, it’s a fast-paced and exciting game.

Genovese and his partner, Tom Brady, both Los Angeles County firefighters, hope to open another arena in Simi Valley next year. They have secured the property and are waiting for city approval. Construction should begin by next summer, Genovese said.

The Camarillo City Council approved the project in January, but Genovese said he hasn’t heard any more opposition from stadium neighbors who voiced concern earlier this year about noise and traffic.

Genovese has received several hundred phone calls from people who want to be on teams. He has more than 30 leagues set up, with divisions ranging from coed to over-40.

Also, individual players can sign up as free agents and be placed on teams. For information, call (800) 979-1910.