Louisville City FC is continuing its push for a new soccer-specific stadium in the Louisville area, and has hired HOK to handle design work.
The stadium effort for Louisville City FC picked up steam in 2016. A feasibility study released in August offered some insight into how the stadium could look, with the reccomendation being that the organization pursue a 10,000-seat USL stadium that could be expanded to 20,000 down the road.
Stadium talks come as Louisville City FC looks to improve upon its situation at Louisville Slugger Field. While the team has drawn solid attendance figures, the ballpark is not necessarily conducive to being a long-term soccer facility. Furthermore, the organization has cited the financial benefit of a new stadium, which would open new revenue streams that are not available at Louisville Slugger Field.
In recent months, one of the biggest questions about the proposal has been the site. A report earlier this month indicated that the team was talking to New Albany, IN officials about a new stadium site while also considering other options in and around Louisville.
The club confirmed today that it is taking a closer look at its site options. “We’re getting closer to securing a lot in urban Louisville, and now we’re thinking about what we can build on it,” said chairman John Neace in a statement. “HOK’s work ensures that once a location is determined, community members will have a tangible picture of Louisville City FC’s future.”
Louisville City FC also stated a desire to tie the new stadium to mixed-use development. The amenities could include office and retail space.
“We’re excited to work with Louisville City FC on the design of their new stadium,” Chris DeVolder, vice president and soccer market leader for HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice said in a statement. “The facility will serve as a model for other USL teams looking to elevate their stadiums in the urban core.”
Louisville City FC has said that it wants to have the new stadium in place by the 2020 season.
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