Their will be a few sore heads in Central Florida this morning, but they won’t care... a soccer-specific stadium is coming to town.
On Tuesday evening Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the rest of the council voted in favor of funding to allow Orlando City Soccer Club to build a 18,000 seat stadium in downtown Orlando, all but sealing MLS’ 21st franchise in the process.
This is huge news.
And the soccer community across the United States of America knows it. After years of hard work since Orlando City became a USL Pro franchise three seasons ago, what many regarded as the final obstacle was approved and now the final negotiations to make Orlando MLS’ 21st franchise can be squared away.
(MORE: Orlando City all but set as 21st MLS franchise)
The stadium sparks a new era for soccer in Florida, and looks to have MLS returning to Florida to ignite the Southeast region and further expansion in Miami and Atlanta.
“We thank the Orange County and City of Orlando Board of Commissioners for their support to build a soccer-specific stadium in downtown Orlando,” MLS president and deputy commissioner Mark Abbott said in a statement. “We also would like to thank [owners] Flavio Augusto da Silva, Phil Rawlins and their staff for their passion and commitment to bring a Major League Soccer team to Orlando.
“We look forward to working with the Orlando City SC ownership group to finalize an expansion agreement.”
Following the vote which approved $20 million worth of Orange County funding would be used for the Lions’ new stadium, an outpouring of delight erupted on Twitter and social media across U.S. soccer. Here’s a small selection of how the events played out.
First of all tension built up to the vote from Orange County that was televised, as plenty of speakers issued their support for MLS in Orlando, including the father of USMNT and Sporting KC midfielder Graham Zusi.
#SKCNation is with you! MT @OrlandoCitySC David Zusi, father @SportingKC superstar & Orlando native @gzusi, is in building pledging support
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) October 22, 2013
While MLS President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott chats about the MLS benefits in Orlando prior to the vote.
VIDEO: @MLS President & Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott speaks on Orlando City's stadium vote and expansion. http://t.co/ZU00wFABEr
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 21, 2013
A huge crowd gathered inside the County Administration building, as fans, locals and club officials began to pledge their support for MLS in Orlando.
Unbelievable crowd supporting @OrlandoCitySC inside the county administration building. #7Votes #GoCity pic.twitter.com/kiFcBVzXgv
— Carson Ingle (@caingle) October 22, 2013
Then, the moment of truth arrived and Orlando City celebrated a soccer specific stadium.
IT IS APPROVED!!!!! We have a @MLS soccer stadium!!! We did it, #LionNation!!!!!!!!!! #MLSHereWeCome RT if you are ready!!!!
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 23, 2013
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs shows her support for Orlando City.
The @OrangeCoFL BCC just approved an ordinance for a $94.5 million venues package. http://t.co/Tg5xjvQOqA pic.twitter.com/aTfIvcGTon
— Archive: Former Mayor Teresa Jacobs (@Mayor_Jacobs) October 23, 2013
Yours truly got in on the act as congratulations for Orlando City poured in from across the world.
Congratulations. Bright future RT @OrlandoCitySC: IT IS APPROVED!!!!! We have a @MLS soccer stadium!!! We did it, #LionNation #MLSHereWeCome
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) October 23, 2013
Barclays Premier League side Stoke City, who have close financial links with Orlando and close ties to President Phil Rawlins, sent out the following message:
Congratulations @OrlandoCitySC - especially @OCPres #believe #orlando #mls
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) October 23, 2013
Steven Goff from the Washington Post revealed the deal for OC to join MLS is all but done.
Grant Wahl is looking forward to two new MLS teams in 2015.
Finally got a purple team in MLS. Expecting Orlando City in 2015 along with New York City FC.
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) October 23, 2013
And finally, Orlando gave a not so subtle nudge to MLS Commish Don Garber....
Oh hey, @thesoccerdon. #GoCity pic.twitter.com/QQjbgftxdj
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 23, 2013
Garber replied with the following:
Congratulations to Flavio da Silva, @OCPres Phil Rawlins and the entire @OrlandoCitySC staff for successful downtown stadium funding vote!
— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) October 23, 2013