The concept for a new Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC stadium is moving forward, as the city council granted its final approval Tuesday.
USL Championship’s Switchbacks have mapping out plans for the new downtown stadium, which is part of the larger City for Champions initiative. The stadium will seat just over 8,000 for soccer matches, with that figure expandable to as much as 15,000 for events such as concerts. A mixed-use development component is also part of the project, as Weidner Apartment Homes will develop an apartment building overlooking the stadium.
While there have been some concerns raised locally about the project’s impact on parking, the Colorado Springs City Council moved forward Tuesday with some key approvals for the project. This clears the way for a planned December 7 groundbreaking ceremony, with the stadium expected to be completed in time for the 2021 USL Championship season. More from Fox21News.com:
The plan to authorize the land for the stadium passed unanimously. Councilman Don Knight and Councilman Bill Murray voted against a related initiative that vacates the stretch of Moreno between Sierra Madre and Wahsatch for stadium construction.
“I’m not really concerned about parking,” Councilwoman Jill Gaebler said. “I’m more concerned about us creating an amazing downtown that’s vibrant and filled with people who want to be apart of all the amazing things happening in Colorado Springs.”
The Switchbacks currently play home matches at the 5,000-seat Weidner Field.
Renderings courtesy Perkins + Will.
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