Ep. 40 - New Stadium, New Dreams: Inside Ozark United FC’s Stadium Pivot

Warren Smith has been watching Northwest Arkansas evolve for decades. What started as family visits in the 1990s has transformed into a mission to bring professional soccer to a region he describes as having "come into its own." As co-founder of Ozark United FC, Smith brings the experience of five successful sports franchise launches to a community he believes is perfectly positioned for soccer's growth.In this revealing conversation with Managing Director Wes Harris, Smith takes listeners behind the scenes of the club's development, sharing why their recent stadium site change represents not just a location shift, but a strategic evolution. "For us, this new location is really about creating a sense of place," Smith explains, highlighting how modern sports experiences extend well beyond game time, with fans typically wanting 4-5 hours of entertainment surrounding the event itself.The club's grassroots approach appears to be working. With 7,500 potential season ticket holders already registered—enough to potentially sell out their planned venue before breaking ground—Ozark United is now considering a larger initial capacity. While the timeline has shifted to a 2027-2028 launch, Smith remains undeterred, noting that his first sports project took six years from concept to completion.What stands out most is the club's commitment to building something truly embedded in Northwest Arkansas culture. From partnering with Sporting Arkansas on youth development to supporting the local Marshallese community's first international tournament, Ozark United is demonstrating that professional sports can be a vehicle for community advancement.Smith's parting message speaks volumes about the club's philosophy: "This is your team, everybody. We need you to participate. I want to create a movement." For soccer enthusiasts and community members alike, the invitation is clear—the journey to professional soccer in Northwest Arkansas isn't just happening; it's being built together.Ready to join the movement? Follow Ozark United FC on social media and visit their website to add your name to their growing list of supporters.