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MLS President Meeting County Commissioners Ahead of Stadium Vote


October 21st, 2013 | WMFE- The president of Major League Soccer is meeting with Orange County Commissioners today ahead of their vote on funding for a new soccer stadium. Building a new stadium is part of Orlando City Soccer's bid to become a major league team.

[Orlando City Soccer wants to Move from the Citrus Bowl to a purpose built stadium. Photo- Matthew Peddie, WMFE]

City commissioners already agreed to make $20 million in Tourist Development Taxes available, and the city has also set aside land in Parramore for the $85 million project.

The deal still needs the approval of county commissioners tomorrow to move forward.

Orlando City Soccer Club president Phil Rawlins says he’ll accompany Major League Soccer president Mark Abbot as he meets with Orange County commissioners this morning.

Rawlins says if commissioners vote to approve the funding his club will begin negotiations with MLS for an expansion team. 

The club has to be certified as a major league team before Tourist Development Taxes can be released for the stadium.

Other conditions for funding approval include a $40 million dollar commitment from the team toward building the stadium and an agreement by Orlando City soccer to pay for any construction cost overruns.

 

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