***Knights Press Release***
ORLANDO, Fla.--The Osceola County Board of Commissioners voted on Monday night in support of $1 million in funding towards the proposed new Orlando City SC multi-purpose soccer stadium. Osceola County’s support follows support received for the project from Orange County, City of Orlando and Seminole County and further demonstrates the significant economic impact the stadium is expected to provide the entire Central Florida region.
The proposed new multi-purpose soccer stadium will represent a true public-private partnership with Orlando City SC ownership agreeing to commit over $110M in private funds for the new stadium and Major League Soccer expansion fees.
As part of the agreement reached with Osceola County, Orlando City SC agreed to create youth soccer-related outreach programs located around Osceola County. These programs will take place at County soccer facilities and will also include after-school activities and free soccer clinics.
The club announced earlier in the month the Lions will play the 2014 USL PRO season in Osceola County at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Over the past three seasons, the club has called the Florida Citrus Bowl home, but that venue will be unavailable in 2014 due to construction. Orlando City has made a six-figure investment in additional seating and improvements at the complex, creating an intimate environment for the 2014 season.
“Tonight’s vote by Osceola County further demonstrates that bringing Major League Soccer to Central Florida will generate a positive impact throughout the region,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “We are thrilled to be playing our 2014 regular season home games in Osceola County at ESPN Wide World of Sports, and we look forward to participating in many more years of additional soccer-related community programs aimed at Osceola County youth.”
A major announcement involving the future of Orlando City will occur tomorrow and is open to the public. The fan event involving the announcement about the Club’s pursuit to become a Major League Soccer club will take place in downtown Orlando at the Cheyenne Saloon (128 W Church Street, Orlando, FL, 32801). All ages are welcome. Festivities on Church Street begin at 5 p.m., including face painting and soccer-related activities, while the program is set for 6 p.m.
For more information, visitOrlandoCitySoccer.com.
About Orlando City Soccer Club:
Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier soccer club in the United States, aiming to be in Major League Soccer by 2015. The Lions recently captured the 2013 USL PRO Championship, the club’s second postseason title in just three years. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com andOrlandoCityYouth.org.