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Indy Eleven Still Waiting For State Backing on Stadium

New Indy Eleven stadium

Months after submitting its bid for an MLS expansion franchise, Indy Eleven is still waiting to see whether state backing is available for a new stadium. 

Entering the expansion mix in late January, Indy Eleven has sought to build off its success in the NASL by taking another shot at an MLS expansion entry. The club has posted solid attendance figures over the years, and is attempting to make the case for a new soccer-specific stadium in Indianapolis.

Part of that proposal has called for the State of Indiana to assist in the stadium’s financing. As lawmakers continue to work toward passing the state’s biennial budget, however, no firm proposal has emerged for Indy Eleven. This has club president Jeff Belskus concerned, as Indy Eleven fears that time might be running out. More from the News-Sentinel:

The clock is ticking.

“The window is closing on us in the possibility of bringing MLS through the expansion process,” Belskus said. “Should a stadium not pan out and come together, that really hurts our effort to bring Major League Soccer  here.”

Belskus is blunt.

“The stadium is the key to all of this,” he said.

The Indy Eleven hopes to have legislation that would provide some state money for a new stadium, but past efforts have failed and nothing is publicly in the works with a biennial budget to be passed by April 29.

Indy Eleven has entered a round of expansion that includes 12 contenders for at least four spots. Two of those clubs will are expected to join the MLS by 2020, with the remaining pair set to enter the league at a later time. However, MLS officials have yet to set a firm date for when their decision will be announced.

Indy Eleven currently plays at Michael A. Carroll Stadium, which is not up to MLS standards. The club previously made a run at an MLS expansion franchise in 2015, only for funding efforts in the state legislature to stall.

RELATED STORIES: Indy Eleven Stadium Plan Needs State SupportOzdemir: Now or Never for for Indianapolis MLS TeamIndy Eleven Entering MLS Expansion Mix

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