As the end of August approaches and the Lions prepare for the Charleston Battery in the 2013 USL PRO Semifinals, work is also being done off the field to bring a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise to town.
Similar to the public workshop held with Orange County Commissioners a few short weeks ago, Orlando City executives will be presenting their case for a downtown multi-purpose soccer stadium to the City of Orlando Board of Commissioners on Monday, August 26, at City Hall in downtown Orlando.
Specifically, Orlando City will present its request to utilize $20 million of the currently existing Tourist Development Tax– which, if passed by both the City & County Commissioners -- would represent the final funding source needed to complete plans for a new downtown soccer stadium. Upon finalizing of the stadium plan, Orlando City would be able to move forward with its negotiations with Major League Soccer to award an expansion team to Central Florida.
No vote of the City Commissioners will take place at Monday’s meeting. However, the public workshop is required to occur prior to a final vote being undertaken. The date for the final votes by both the City & County Commissioners has not yet been set, but is expected to occur in the coming weeks.
“Similar to our presentation earlier this month to the County Commissioners, this is a welcomed opportunity to now formally present our case to the City of Orlando Commissioners,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “Our proposed public-private project will bring significant benefits to Central Florida – both tangible and intangible – such as new jobs, economic development and increased tourism.”
Monday’s meeting is open to the public, beginning at 10 a.m.
For more information on the meeting, stay tuned to OrlandoCitySoccer.com.
