Hamilton Co. Commissioners, City Council Commit To FC Cincinnati Stadium Deal

Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 6:27 AM

By Travis Thayer (Hamilton County, Oh.) – After originally saying “no” to aiding FC Cincinnati with their efforts to build a new stadium, Hamilton County Commissioners will lend a helping hand. On Wednesday, all three county commissioners voted unanimously to commit approximately $15 million to fund a 1,000-car parking facility next to the would-be stadium. City Council also approved to commit $62 million in long-term revenues to provide $37 million in infrastructure for a proposed stadium in Oakley, reports WCPO. The commitments now pave the way for FC Cincinnati to submit a stadium proposal to Major League Soccer as they decide who their next two expansion franchises will be. It’s well known that prospective MLS expansion cities must own and operate their own stadium to be considered in December. Earlier this month, FC Cincinnati General Manager Jeff Berding announced the club would 100 percent privately fund the construction of a $200 million soccer specific stadium. Now, with public money in hand, FC Cincinnati is expected to send a proposal to the MLS on Friday. The club will then meet with MLS officials on December 6. The league has narrowed its expansion choices to Cincinnati, Nashville, Sacramento and Detroit. Two of the cities are expected to be selected for MLS expansion on December 14. RELATED STORIES: Hamilton Co. Commissioners Say No To FC Cincinnati Stadium FC Cincinnati Wants County To Split Stadium Cost