APWA SoCal Honors Lancaster Municipal Stadium Renovation with 2025 B.E.S.T. Project of the Year Award

Lancaster, CA. February 10, 2026 - The City of Lancaster has been named the recipient of the 2025 B.E.S.T. Project of the Year Award by the American Public Works Association (APWA), Southern California Chapter, for its Municipal Stadium Improvements Project. The award, presented in the Recreational & Athletic Facilities category, recognizes projects that deliver exceptional value to their communities through innovation, sustainability, and enhanced quality of life.

The award-winning project transformed Lancaster Municipal Stadium to support the City's partnership with the United Soccer League (USL), bringing professional and pre-professional soccer to the Antelope Valley through AV ALTA. Once a 4,600-seat baseball stadium, the venue was successfully renovated and converted into a 5,300-seat soccer stadium, establishing a permanent home for the Club and a new hub for regional sports and entertainment.

Completed in just eight months, the project prioritized efficiency and sustainability by maximizing existing infrastructure, minimizing new material use, and significantly reducing construction waste compared to a full rebuild. Key improvements included reorienting the playing field, upgrading the playing surface, and reconfiguring seating sightlines to meet soccer-specific standards.

"This award reflects what's possible when a city listens to its community and invests wisely in projects that bring people together," said Mayor R. Rex Parris. "By reimagining an existing asset, we created a modern, sustainable venue that energizes our economy, celebrates local pride, and delivers an exceptional experience for fans and families."

Enhancements extended beyond the pitch to elevate the overall fan experience. The stadium now features expanded food and beverage offerings, new gathering spaces, improved circulation, and revitalized outdoor areas. Surrounding spaces were reimagined to include a lively food truck garden, enhanced landscaping, and a newly constructed wind wall-elements designed to improve playability and spectator comfort year-round.

Community engagement played a central role in the project's success. During construction, a passionate supporter group formed organically, calling themselves "The 661." In recognition of their enthusiasm, the City established a dedicated supporters' section within the stadium. This fully accessible, safe-standing grandstand-complete with tiered seating, an overhead canopy, and banner rigging-amplifies crowd energy and creates an immersive match-day atmosphere.

Receiving the APWA B.E.S.T. Project of the Year Award highlights the collaborative effort between the City, its partners, and the community in delivering a dynamic and sustainable sports venue. The renovated Lancaster Municipal Stadium will host AV ALTA's second season beginning in April 2026, continuing to serve as a source of civic pride and community connection.

About The City of Lancaster

Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster has the confidence, expertise, spirit, and imagination to transform tomorrow. We are: Creating a better tomorrow. Visit us at https://www.cityoflancasterca.gov.