Coming up this month are two votes that could potentially determine Orlando City SC’s inclusion in Major League Soccer.
The first part in this two-step process features a vote by the City of Orlando on the approval of funds for a new downtown, multipurpose soccer stadium. The club announced earlier this week that the decision by Mayor Buddy Dyer and the City Commissioners is scheduled to be held on Monday, October 7, at the City Hall Council Chambers in downtown Orlando (400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801).
OrlandoCitySoccer.com caught up with Orlando City President Phil Rawlins to take a look at his thoughts leading into the upcoming City vote.
OC: How important is next week’s vote by the City of Orlando?
PR: “It’s very important because it’s the first part of a two-step process. It’s essential that we get that vote passed, and with that behind us we’ll then be able to move on to the Orange County vote at the end of the month.”
OC: What are your expectations heading into the vote, and do you see any potential obstacles?
PR: “No, I think we’ve had a very good working relationship with the City of Orlando for the past two years now on this project. The Mayor’s obviously already started to acquire the land in downtown for the stadium project, and we have a great relationship with all of the City Commissioners. I expect to have their full backing, and I’ll be delighted to have the City vote behind us so that we can go on and focus on the second one.”
OC: Is there anything in particular that the fans can do to make their voice heard?
PR: “The biggest thing is to let the Commissioners know how important this vote is and that you are fully behind the team.”
OC: If this vote gets passed in our favor, what are the next steps for the club?
PR: “The next step, directly after this vote, is for it then to be taken over to the Orange County Commissioners. Their decision will be on October 22, and that is the final stage. With those two dominos falling in our favor, we’re then ready to go back to Major League Soccer. We expect if we receive the City and County’s backing, we will be able to announce a MLS franchise sometime in November.”
For more information on the upcoming votes, stay tuned to OrlandoCitySoccer.com.
