Photo: Mark Thor

The Central Florida Sports Commission (CFSC) announced last Thursday that the proposed downtown soccer stadium has been submitted to bid for NCAA Championships beginning in 2015.

Potential events to be held at the soccer stadium include the Men’s College Cup (Soccer), Women’s College Cup (Soccer), and Women’s Lacrosse Championship. Also included in the proposal was an option to include Division II Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships at the soccer stadium during the same weekend, creating a potential hub for the beautiful game in Central Florida.

“Opportunities for new sporting events, such as these NCAA Championships, are growing because of the collaboration and partnerships within our community that have led to the construction of some of the best venues in the world,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Bids were submitted on September 16. The NCAA is expected to narrow the list of hosts by announcing finalists on October 30.

“The new stadium won’t just be used for Major League Soccer (MLS) games, but for multiple sports like college soccer, lacrosse and high school sports,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “It will be a benefit to the whole region, bringing new and exciting events to downtown Orlando.”

According to the CFSC The events, on top of potentials such as High School Boys/Girls Soccer Finals, Division II & III Women’s Lacrosse Championships, would provide a total economic impact of approximately $7,610,000 to the area. As more of a benefit, all of the events occur in the low tourism months of September-December.

Orange County will vote on the approval of the stadium in less than two weeks on Tuesday, October 22. Pending the 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.
Fans can show their support by attending the meeting on October 22 in downtown Orlando. Click here to join the Facebook event.