Soccer balls. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Green Bay and the United Soccer League are in talks to build a 5,000-seat stadium to house men’s and women’s pro teams, but the location and funding mechanism are yet to be determined.
The city and league may agree to an “exclusive letter of intent,” which would allow the two sides to explore the possibility of a stadium for up to one year.
The city’s Redevelopment Authority will review the document Tuesday. Mayor Eric Genrich plans to discuss the project then.
It could go to the City Council Nov. 11.
The USL operates four different men’s leagues. Green Bay could be slotted for expansion to League One, which includes Forward Madison SC. It is the third-tier league.
For the women, the USL operates two leagues. Green Bay could be placed in USL W. It currently has teams across the country, including Illinois and Minnesota.
Approving the ELOI “does not commit the City to any financial participation or to the construction of a stadium,” the city staff memo states.
“The primary purpose of the ELOI is to evaluate the viability of professional soccer and explore potential sites and financing models for a new stadium and associated development. The proposed stadium would have a minimum capacity of 5,000 seats with the ability for future expansion. The stadium could potentially serve as an anchor for a district that may include a mix of complimentary uses for a stadium, such as hospitality, entertainment venues, retail, residential, and/or office,” the memo says.
If approved, the USL agrees not to pursue other sites in Brown, Outagamie, Manitowoc, or Winnebago counties. The USL would “assume responsibility for pre-development soccer-related costs, including feasibility studies, site assessments, financial modeling, and design concepts.”
In return, Green Bay would not work other soccer leagues, and would work to help identify sites and help ensure compliance with any regulations.
According to a letter from the USL to the city, the stadium would need to be at least 5,000 seats, with the ability for expansion. It would house men’s and women’s teams, and perhaps other development.
“The real estate development associated with the Stadium may include a range of uses, such as multifamily housing, retail/restaurants, office space, hotel, and entertainment. USL desires to work with Green Bay to identify the most suitable location for the Stadium, one that advances the shared interests of both Parties,” wrote Justin Papadakis, Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Office for the league.
The USL document also includes a list of stadium requirements for scoreboard, field dimensions, lighting, press box, dressing rooms, security, and so on.
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