17 Oct 2017
Nashville bid for MLS team strengthens as funding approved for $225m stadium
BY Rob Gibson
Funding has been approved for a 27,500-seater stadium designed to bring Major League Soccer (MLS) to Nashville, Tennessee.
Nashville’s Sports Authority has approved a $225m (£171m, €191) bond resolution, solidifying funding before the proposal goes to the Metro Council for final approval in November.
Concept designs from global architecture firm HOK show the stadium covering 500,000sq ft (152,400sq m) at The Fairgrounds site in the capital of Tennessee.
The renderings were released by Nashville Soccer Holdings as part of an introductory presentation to Nashville’s Metropolitan Council and the public, forming a key part of the city’s bid for expansion into the MLS.
Nashville faces competition from 11 other cities across the US, vying for four new places in the league from 2020. David Beckham is behind Miami’s bid.
The proposed stadium has been designed to “combine a uniquely Nashville look with a modern fan experience” and would support other events such as concerts, and other sporting and civic occasions.
“The proposed design has been developed to bring people and communities together for an extraordinary MLS soccer experience, as well as establishing an important new amenity for Nashville and Nashvillians,” said John R Ingram, CEO of Nashville Soccer Holdings and lead investor for the ownership group vying for a Nashville MLS expansion team.
“It has many features that will make it one of the best in the league while reflecting the true spirit of Nashville. It will be customised for the rich history of the surrounding area and highlight the unique architecture and design found across this city.”
The presentation highlighted that more than 100,000 people attended games in the city in July 2017 alone and Nashville is home to more than 40,000 players at youth level.
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