Dates announced for Orlando City stadium votes

ORLANDO, Fla. — The dates for both the City of Orlando and Orange County Commissioners to vote on the approval of funds for a new downtown, multi-purpose soccer stadium have been finalized. The City will vote on Monday, October 7, and Orange County just two weeks later on Tuesday, October 22. Pending both the City and County approval of the stadium plan, Orlando would be able to enter into final negotiations with MLS to award an expansion team to Central Florida.

Both votes will be open to the public.

“We are excited as we begin this final step of securing a downtown soccer stadium for the Central Florida area,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “We encourage all of our fans to call their commissioners to show their support in the upcoming weeks.”

The October 7 vote will occur at the City Hall Council Chambers in downtown Orlando (400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801). People are encouraged to park in the garage behind City Hall and cross over the walkway bridge. Go through security and the Chambers will be around the corner on the right. The October 22 vote takes place at 201 S Rosalind Avenue at the County Administration Building. Parking is available around the building.

In early August, the Tourist Development Council (TDC), which includes Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, unanimously approved a plan that included funding of a multi-purpose soccer stadium. Following the vote, a recommendation was given to the City and County Board of Commissioners, who vote on October 7 and 22, respectively.

Orlando City SC recently completed the #Mission15k campaign, compiling 15,000 signatures on OrlandoBelievesinMLS.com. The social media campaign encouraged fans to sign a petition stating ‘I believe in Major League Soccer (MLS) in Orlando!’ –with the drive compiling over the 15,000 mark.

WFTV