Louisville City FC joins hands with HOK for new soccer-specific stadium

The United Soccer League’s (USL) Louisville City FC has entered into a partnership with global architecture firm HOK for the design of a soccer-specific stadium and adjacent development projects.

According to a press release on HOK’s official website, the architecture firm will provide the vision for a 10,000-seat stadium that could later expand in capacity to 20,000. The overall site plan will also include space for office and retail development.

“We’re getting closer to securing a lot in urban Louisville, and now we’re thinking about what we can build on it,” LouCity Chairman John Neace is quoted as saying in the release. “HOK’s work ensures that once a location is determined, community members will have a tangible picture of Louisville City FC’s future.”

HOK has worked since 2015 with the LouCity’s United Soccer League, helping position each of its clubs in soccer-specific stadiums by 2020. The firm’s soccer portfolio boasts Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to MLS’ Atlanta United, the San Jose Earthquakes’ Avaya Stadium and a number of USL ventures.

“We’re excited to work with Louisville City FC on the design of their new stadium,” Chris DeVolder, vice president with HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice, is quoted as saying in the press release. “The facility will serve as a model for other USL teams looking to elevate their stadiums in the urban core.”

LouCity currently pays to rent and play in Louisville Slugger Field, also home for the Triple-A Louisville Bats baseball franchise. A soccer-specific stadium would open new revenue streams and scheduling opportunities while raising the pitch to international standards.

A study conducted by Convention, Sports & Leisure and Legends and released last August by Louisville Forward confirmed that a soccer-specific stadium is needed to maintain and grow professional soccer in Louisville.

More updates on the topic at Coliseum Summit AMERICAS, April 19-20, 2017 at Las Vegas, Nevada. Continue to follow Coliseum Summit, a global series of stadium and arena business conferences, for latest updates from around the world.

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