LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The City of Louisville and Mayor Greg Fischer took a major step toward achieving Louisville City FC’s highest ambitions in American soccer on Wednesday, announcing a study on the feasibility of constructing a new soccer-specific stadium. The $75,000 study is being conducted by Conventions, Sports & Leisure International – a leading advisory and planning firm based in Minneapolis, Minn. – will provide insight into the physical, operational and financial characteristics for building a new stadium in Louisville.
With Major League Soccer expected to expand to as many as 28 teams, a move toward a soccer-specific stadium in Louisville sends a clear message.
“The step that the Mayor’s office and the City of Louisville have taken is significant in the process to bring a soccer-specific stadium to Louisville,” said Louisville City FC president Amanda Duffy. “By engaging Conventions, Sports & Leisure International to deliver a recommended direction for a stadium location as well as a path for project funding illustrates the decisive action that we’re all taking to achieve the ambition of bringing the highest level of professional sports to Kentucky and Southern Indiana.”
The study will examine four potential areas – including downtown Louisville – to see which area provides the greatest opportunity for a soccer-specific stadium that could also host a variety of events such as international soccer matches, concerts, festivals and other community gatherings.
“Professional soccer is off to a great start in Louisville, and a new soccer stadium could have many positive impacts on our economy,” said Fischer. “This new investment in soccer will contribute to our authentic and vibrant community and give citizens one central team to rally around.”
If approved by the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau board at its next commission meeting, an additional study that looks at the feasibility of building an amateur and youth sports complex will be commissioned by the CVB. The complex could house sports such as soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball and softball.
“The remarkable success of the Louisville City FC shows that our community supports and craves professional soccer” said president and CEO of Greater Louisville, Inc., Kent Oyler. “From the business perspective, having multiple high-energy spectator sports like LouCity FC helps with talent attraction and retention.”
The timeline of the study and project details are yet to be determined. Louisville Forward, the city’s office of economic development, is actively collaborating with CSL on study parameters.
Keep track of all Louisville City’s breaking news, roster updates and ticketing information by following the Club on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Season tickets are available for Louisville City’s historic second season via the Club’s official website.
