The proposal for an MLS stadium in Charlotte has been revised, with one of the biggest changes being a reduction in public funds.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Memorial Stadium and the Grady Center would both be demolished to make way for a new MLS stadium. The new stadium was estimated to cost $150 million, with MLS backers Bruton and Marcus Smith contributing $50 million. The remainder of the cost would be split by the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Now, the county is going to weigh in on a plan that calls for a slight reduction in public funds. Both Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are being asked to pay $43.7 million, while the stadium’s cost has risen to $175 million.
With applications for expansion due to the MLS at the end of this month, the county is expected to vote on the proposal next week. More from The Charlotte Observer:
County Manager Dena Diorio would not comment Thursday on the specifics of the proposal. But she said commissioners will hold a public forum on it at their regularly-scheduled meeting at 3 p.m. next Tuesday and are expected to vote at the board’s annual retreat Jan. 26.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for Mecklenburg County and Charlotte,” Diorio said. “If we were able to compete with other cities for a Major League Soccer deal, that would be good for Charlotte.”
Not all commissioners are sold on the proposal.
“I’m struggling with this rushed process,” said at-large commissioner Pat Cotham. “Rushed deals of any sort are not good deals, because you need to have time to vet things.”
The original proposal called for the county to own the new stadium, and to allocate $250,000 annually in maintenance.
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