USL League One’s Lexington Pro Soccer released renderings of a proposed High Street soccer stadium, as four groups vie for development rights to the parking lot of Central Bank Center.
The renderings were included in a submission by the club’s ownership to the Lexington Center Corporation’s High Street Development Project. The proposed High Street soccer stadium site is directly across High Street from the Lexington Convention Center and Rupp Arena, bordered by Lexington Center Drive, Maxwell Street, and Poplar Alley.
Designed by architecture firm Gensler, the 6,000+ seat Lexington Pro Soccer multiuse venue and soccer stadium would feature 45,000 square feet of entertainment-focused retail with patio views overlooking both the stadium and Rupp Arena. A 160-room hotel, a 250-unit multifamily residential development, and integrated parking garages onsite in excess of the current available parking.
“Lexington is the ideal home for a thriving professional soccer club. We have all of the ingredients needed to make Lexington Pro Soccer one of the best teams in the league–except a professional-quality stadium,” said Bill Shively, Majority Owner of Lexington Pro Soccer and Managing Partner of iVisionary Capital Partners. “Our aim is to build a state-of-the-art, multi-use venue–centered around a professional soccer stadium–right in the heart of downtown Lexington. The development we hope to build would be a meaningful economic driver for the city of Lexington and the surrounding region, by expanding the range of entertainment opportunities downtown Lexington has to offer its residents and visitors.”
“We’re honored to have been chosen to help with the design of Lexington Pro Soccer’s stadium, and we’re excited about the potential for a downtown venue for the club,” said Ryan Sickman, Principal with Gensler. “Location can play a significant role in the overall success of a new entertainment venue. The proposed location of the Lexington Pro Soccer stadium and entertainment complex is ideal, offering local residents easy access to the venue and contributing to the existing growth and vibrancy of the downtown area with designs for new retail, lodging, and entertainment opportunities.”
The new USL League One team is expected to begin play in the 2023 season. In addition to its stadium design, Lexington Pro Soccer has undergone an in-depth branding process over the past three months. The club’s official name, crest, and colors are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Rendertings courtesy Lexington Pro Soccer.