Orlando City SC moves new stadium site two months after unveiling renderings

The renderings for Orlando City SC’s new downtown Major League Soccer (MLS) stadium was unveiled to the public in June this year by Orlando City SC President & Founder Phil Rawlins, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs.

In early August, the City of Orlando announced that it is moving the proposed site of the stadium by one block to the west after a church – which sat in the middle of the planned development for the $100 million stadium – refused to relocate.

The new stadium will now be located at the site of Parramore Heritage Park. The basic design of the stadium remains unchanged, with initial seating expected for approximately 19,500 fans, a dedicated supporters’ stand, club and suites, and a larger-than-life-sized lion statue at the entry plaza which will be rotated to face the stadium during matches.

The multi-purpose stadium – scheduled to open prior to the 2016 Major League Soccer season – will also feature a full 360-degree lower bowl built below ground level with a unique three-stand seating upper bowl. It will be adorned with full roof canopies that cover all seats to the front row on the east, west and north ends that are designed to enhance and amplify the crowd noise, as well as protect fans from the sun and rain.

The open and expansive fan plaza on the south end, leading into the Church Street Sports & Entertainment Corridor, will serve as a large common gathering area for fans during events. The stadium will also feature a built-in underground infrastructure to allow for future seating expansion in the corners.

The stadium will also boast of multiple VIP hospitality areas, including a midfield Club Lounge with views of the playing field, up to 38 luxury suites and an elevated 360-degree balcony-style bar within the scoreboard structure.

“This is yet another great step in our journey to Major League Soccer,” Orlando City President Phil Rawlins was quoted saying in the media. “We are developing a venue that will make soccer fans proud. We set out not just to build a stadium, but to push the envelope on design ideas and concepts. We took some of the best ideas from around the world and incorporated them into a venue which reflects our home in Florida.”

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