Newly released design schematics detail plans for the proposed FC Cincinnati West End stadium, and how it could fit into its site.
As part of its ongoing pursuit of an MLS expansion franchise, FC Cincinnati is looking to construct a new stadium on the city’s West End. Last week, the city council approved an ordinance that could lead to a $33.8-million funding package for infrastructure improvements to support a new stadium. The venue would be constructed on the site of Taft High School’s Stargel Stadium, which FC Cincinnati would replace by constructing a new facility at a nearby site.
Under the concept shown in the schematics, the stadium would initially be constructed with more than 21,000 seats. That capacity could be expanded over time, with the facility leaving room for an additional 7,000 seats. While this does offer a certain level of insight as to how the stadium could fit into its location, there are still many aspects of the design that will have to be resolved if plans for the venue move forward. More from the Cincinnati Enquirer:
Dated December 2017 and created by downtown-based MSA Architects, the possible layout for the site gives more insight into seating as well.
According to the plan, there would be 16,610 general admission seats, 3,970 “premium” seats and another 500 seats for media and other purposes – a total of 21,080 seats.
However, the design shows that additional seats could be added to the northeast and southeast corners, the south end and the west end of the stadium. This would add another 7,000 seats for a total of 28,080.
FC Cincinnati released a nearly identical schematic Tuesday. Team officials said the diagram is a conceptual draft, part of a “fit study,” used for discussions with local officials.
Over its years of play in the USL, FC Cincinnati has been an attendance success story at Nippert Stadium, but MLS has been clear in its desire for a new stadium. MLS issued a statement last week acknowledging the recent progress made in FC Cincinnati’s effort, but indicated that it would continue discussions with representatives from Cincinnati, Sacramento, and Detroit. Those three cities were represented in bids that were considered in December, when MLS ultimately selected Nashville from a field of four finalists but then held off on decisions regarding the other bids.
FC Cincinnati has been linked to three sites during its stadium pursuit, including West End, Oakley, and Newport, KY. More recent momentum has revolved around West End, however, including last week’s city council vote.
Image courtesy FC Cincinnati.
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