In this episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Brandon Dowling, Principal at Johnson Consulting, a boutique advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and mixed-use real estate development. With over 17 years of experience and deep involvement in stadium projects across the U.S., Brandon shares unmatched insights into what it takes to bring professional soccer venues to life.

From working with USL expansion clubs to billion-dollar mixed-use projects, Brandon breaks down the strategic ingredients that make a soccer stadium development viable—real estate, financing models, public-private partnerships, and more.

Key Topics Covered:

What makes a soccer-specific stadium viable in today’s market
Why clubs are integrating stadiums into mixed-use entertainment districts
How public-private partnerships are structured for long-term success
Real estate, economic development, and naming rights strategy
Lessons from projects like Rhode Island FC, Lexington, and Hudson Yards
How Johnson Consulting supports cities and clubs from concept to execution
Advice for aspiring professionals in sports development and real estate

Brandon also shares his personal journey, how community and culture shape soccer’s future in the U.S., and what emerging trends are driving stadium projects forward as the sport continues to grow nationwide.

Want to build a soccer stadium or professional club in your market? This episode is a must-listen.

Like, comment, and subscribe to support the growth of professional soccer in North America.

Johnson Consulting Website: https://www.chjc.com/

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One Soccer Nation Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/

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DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

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