Louisville City FC‘s search for a new stadium could extend into Indiana, as the organization has discussed the possibility with New Albany officials.
It has been no secret that Louisville City FC is looking for a new stadium. While the club is drawing solid attendance figures at Louisville Slugger Field, it is looking for a soccer-specific facility that could improve revenue streams.
Discussions have focused on a new 10,000-seat stadium that could be expanded down the road, and funding models for a potential Louisville stadium were included in a feasibility study that was released in August. Indentifying a site and completing the framework of the funding model is a must for Louisville City FC and local officials, as the club has said it needs a new stadium by 2020.
The search for a site is now extending to New Albany, where officials have reportedly had discussions with club chairman John Neace. New Albany, which is located opposite the Ohio River from Louisville, at least reflects a search within the broader Louisville Metropolitan Statistics Area for a stadium site.
While funding will have to be worked out, New Albany officials sound confident that the city–which is also where Neace’s venture capital firm is located–could support a franchise. More from Insider Louisville:
New Albany officials said they would welcome the investment of a new stadium and would consider some public support to lure the venue to Indiana.
New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan told IL that city leaders had held “preliminary discussions” with Neace and proposed a couple of sites.
Gahan and New Albany City Council President Patrick McLaughlin said that the soccer stadium could address the city’s need for a large venue, which city leaders have identified as a catalyst for growth.
Louisville City FC is continuing its stadium push through some changes in leadership. Neace took over for Wayne Estopinal in September, and club president Amanda Duffy announced in December that she was leaving the team for the NWSL.
Image courtesy Louisville City FC.
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