Idea of MLS stadium kicked around at county budget discussion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Taxpayers appear to still be on the hook for nearly $44 million and a long-shot chance of landing a Major League Soccer squad.

The plan calls for demolishing Memorial Stadium and the Grady Cole Center and replacing them with a state-of-the-art MLS stadium.

The county is including the funding in its Capital Improvement Plan.

Commissioner Matthew Ridenhour, R-District 5, likes most of the CIP, but wants to split the vote so he can try to stop the project.

“I hope that we are able to vote on each line item individually, or at least break out the Memorial Stadium,” Ridenhour said.

The momentum for soccer has stalled, mainly because of the city of Charlotte's inaction.

Potential stadium owner Marcus Smith is asking the city to match the county's contribution of $43.75 million.

With an election coming up, City Council members don't like what they see.

But County Commissioner Trevor Fuller, D-at-large, said investing in soccer is a smart
move.

“I believe having MLS soccer in Charlotte would be great in our community,” Fuller said.

County Manager Dena Diorio agrees and hopes the city will come around.

“I am still hopeful the city of Charlotte will vote favorably to move $43.75 million in tourism dollars to move the project forward,” she said.

Charlotte is competing against 11 other cities for four MLS expansion spots. Two teams will be announced this summer.

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