Taking the first legitimate step toward a stadium option, Orlando City SC President Phil Rawlins presented an economic impact study to local area officials and press members regarding a Major League Soccer (MLS) facility in early October. Commissioned from CS&L, the study showed that a new MLS stadium would have a $1.2 billion economic impact on the local Central Florida area. Our top 5 countdown of 2012 starts with the recent announcement of an economic impact study for a new MLS stadium in Orlando.

Since day one, the Lions have made it clear that the franchise wants to bring MLS to Orlando. The club quietly worked in the background off the field while the 2012 Lions had their successes on it- winning the 2012 regular season title with a league-record 57 points. Not since MLS Commissioner Don Garber’s visit had Orlando been thrust into the limelight, putting the Lions under the microscope for expansion.

The report laid out the economic details on Orlando City’s goal of becoming a MLS franchise in the immediate future. The estimated cost of a new multi-purpose stadium would be $96 million and would generate $1.2 billion over the next 30 years. Coverage was all over Central Florida and beyond, with people all across the U.S. realizing City’s ambitions.

More news came about with expansion/Orlando with Garber’s recent teleconference before the MLS Cup, mentioning that once the stadium plan is cemented, the Lions will be an MLS franchise. Keep your ears perked as more news is sure to come as the Lions ownership group is working tremendously to bring top-flight soccer to Central Florida.

For the continued countdown on the top 5 moments of 2012, check back to OrlandoCitySoccer.com!