Details released on new Orlando soccer stadium

ORLANDO, Fla. — WFTV learned more about what visitors can expect at Orlando’s new professional soccer stadium.

Renderings of the state-of-the-art facility have yet to be released, but city is already gearing up for the huge undertaking.

Channel 9’s Ryan Hughes got ahold of the construction agreement for the new stadium.

The city council still has to approve it, but the agreement lays out some new details.

The 126-page construction agreement shows the stadium will hold more than 18,000 spectators and include 2,500 club seats.

It’ll also have 300 seats in specialty suits. The stadium’s square footage will be about 290,000 square feet, with 120,000 square feet devoted to the bowl.

And the stadium will house retail shops, restaurants and bars.

Residents are ready for construction to start by late spring.

“There are a lot of soccer fans here. So of course everyone who is a soccer fan is going to enjoy the stadium being here,” said Orlando resident Shauna Robinson.

Some said they expect the stadium to revitalize a section of Parramore.

“This will be a better place. It’ll make more people come here from all over the world,” resident Samuel Byrd said.

Construction is expected to cost $69 million.

Another $15 million is needed for land and other infrastructure.

The firm Populous is working on the stadium’s design.

It’s done work on prestigious sports venues worldwide, including Marlins Park in Miami, the 2012 London Olympic Stadium and the Amway Center in downtown Orlando.

The stadium is expected to be finished by summer of 2015.

Orlando City Council members will look over the construction agreement next week.

It’s expected to be approved.

WFTV