TopMenu

Big Week on Tap for FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati

Stadium plans and the arrival of an MLS opponent are on tap for FC Cincinnati next week, a stretch that could raise the organization’s profile. 

FC Cincinnati is about unveil some details of its anticipated stadium plan. The organization, which submitted its MLS expansion bid earlier this year, is slated to present a design plan for a proposed soccer-specific stadium during a public event on Monday. Over time, plenty of other aspects of the stadium plan–including the site and cost–will need to be finalized, but the presentation could provide some insight into the organization’s long-term vision.

Just a few days after unveiling its stadium design, FC Cincinnati will welcome a high-profile club to Nippert Stadium. On Wednesday, FC Cincinnati will square off against Columbus Crew SC as part of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

According to FC Cincinnati president Jeff Berding, the organization is looking forward to presenting details of its stadium plan. It is also expecting a strong showing for the match against Columbus, which would represent an impressive showcase for MLS. More from The Cincinnati Enquirer:

“I do think it’s certainly an audition for our city. I do view it that way,” Berding told The Enquirer Wednesday. “You know, we’re hosting our first MLS team, and not just any MLS team but a founding member of the league. Someone who has blazed the trail for teams like FC Cincinnati. We’re standing on their shoulders because they truly paved the way… We have so much respect for the Crew. We think it’s an honor to play them, to host them here at Nippert (Stadium).

“Having said that, it’s an audition because we can host an MLS team in our city with what’s looking like an extraordinary turnout. We’re confident the game atmosphere is going to be terrific… The town hall meeting is an opportunity to share with the public an overview of our expansion bid with a little more detail than we’ve done in the past and also share for the first time with our season ticket holders our initial stadium design.”

While it appears to be drawing significant fan support, the match against Columbus is just one part of what is going to be a busy period at Nippert Stadium. FC Cincinnati is to host a USL contest against the Charlotte Independence on Saturday, and the Charleston Battery are set to make a visit the on June 17.

FC Cincinnati is one of 12 expansion candidates in the mix for four MLS expansion spots. The organization began play in the USL last season, and has received strong fan support since its establishment.

Image courtesy FC Cincinnati. 

RELATED STORIES: FC Cincinnati to Unveil Stadium Design Plan This MonthFC Cincinnati Zeroing on Stadium SitesCincinnati Mayor: Taxpayer Funds Unlikely for FC Cincinnati StadiumNorthern Kentucky an Option for FC Cincinnati Stadium Site; FC Cincinnati Evaluating MLS Stadium SitesDon Garber Praises FC Cincinnati in VisitDon Garber Visiting CincinnatiTraining Facility Could Boost FC Cincinnati’s MLS HopesDon Garber to Visit Cincinnati; Is FC Cincinnati Ready for MLS? Maybe Not Yet

, , ,

August Publications