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Cleveland Metroparks And RTA Support Development Of Soccer Stadium

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Cleveland Metroparks And RTA Support Development Of Soccer Stadium

Cleveland Metroparks And RTA Support Development Of Soccer Stadium. In a significant development for sports enthusiasts and urban planners alike, the Cleveland Metroparks and Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) are rallying behind the Cleveland Soccer Group’s ambitious plan to construct a state-of-the-art soccer stadium. This $150 million, 12,500-seat facility is poised to transform the landscape of Southeast Downtown Cleveland, bringing with it a surge of economic activity and renewed community engagement. While the Cleveland Metroparks board is set to vote on land acquisition today, the RTA is exploring the addition of a rapid transit station to enhance accessibility to the stadium, demonstrating a multi-faceted commitment to this landmark project.

Metroparks Takes a Step Forward: Acquiring Land for the Stadium

On the agenda for the Cleveland Metroparks’ board meeting is a vote on acquiring approximately 13.6 acres of land from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for $4.25 million. This tract, known as the “South Gateway,” lies adjacent to the Inner Belt (Interstate 90) bridges and offers a strategic location for the proposed soccer stadium.

The acquisition, however, is more than just a straightforward purchase. It marks a vital step in the larger vision for urban redevelopment, connectivity, and recreational opportunities. The Metroparks’ initiative, dubbed the Trailhead Project, aims to connect existing and planned trails, creating a network of public spaces that promote active transportation and leisure activities. Should the stadium not come to fruition, the Metroparks would still gain valuable green space, furthering its mission to provide public recreational facilities in and around Cleveland’s urban core.

A Strategic Partnership: Cleveland Soccer Group and Metroparks

The partnership between the Cleveland Soccer Group (CSG) and Cleveland Metroparks reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the city’s urban landscape. Under a memorandum of understanding reached in late October 2023, CSG will fund the land purchase and transaction costs, including a $250,000 escrow deposit to secure the property during the due-diligence period.

Once the Metroparks acquires the land, it plans to lease a portion of it long-term to CSG for the stadium’s development. This dual-purpose approach ensures that even if the stadium project faces hurdles, the land will serve a public purpose, integrating with the broader vision of the Trailhead Project. The stadium itself is not just a sports facility but a potential catalyst for economic revitalization, community engagement, and urban transformation.

Bringing Rapid Transit Closer: RTA Vision for a New Station

Complementing the Metroparks’ efforts, the Greater Cleveland RTA is pursuing an amendment to its long-range plan to include a new rapid transit station near the proposed stadium site. This “infill station” would fill a 1.75-mile gap between existing stations and enhance access to the stadium, training facilities, and surrounding neighborhoods.

The station would not only serve soccer fans but also provide a crucial link for residents, businesses, and visitors in the area, integrating seamlessly with the broader transit network. GCRTA is already in discussions with federal and state agencies to secure funding for environmental clearances and engineering designs. The proposed station would include plazas, public spaces, and pedestrian bridges over the rail tracks, making it a focal point of connectivity and community life.

A Vision for Soccer in Cleveland

Cleveland Soccer Group’s ambitions extend beyond the stadium itself. With an application submitted to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) for a new franchise, CSG aims to bring top-tier women’s professional soccer to the city. The NWSL, which is expanding from 14 to 16 teams, has seen record attendance in its 10th year, reflecting growing support and interest in women’s sports. A Cleveland franchise would fill a notable gap, as the city is one of the largest media markets in the U.S. without a professional outdoor soccer team.

In addition to the NWSL bid, CSG has already secured a franchise in the Major League Soccer (MLS) NEXT Pro league, set to begin play as early as next year. The presence of these teams would position Cleveland as a hub for soccer development, inspiring local talent and providing a platform for community engagement.

Economic Impact and Community Benefits

The proposed stadium is expected to generate substantial economic benefits. According to an economic impact study by Project Management Consultants, financed by CSG, the stadium could generate $7 million annually in new tax revenues at the city, county, and state levels. This revenue would support a $90 million public bond issue needed to finance the stadium construction.

Moreover, the development would revitalize underutilized land once occupied by Norfolk Southern’s intermodal rail yard, which has remained mostly vacant since the mid-1990s. This transformation from a dormant industrial site to a vibrant sports and recreation hub aligns with the city’s broader goals of economic revitalization and community development.

Challenges and Next Steps

While the Metroparks and RTA are taking decisive steps to support the stadium project, several challenges remain. The Metroparks’ land acquisition is contingent upon due diligence, including geotechnical studies and detailed surveys, which will take up to 240 days. Additionally, the RTA must navigate complex funding and regulatory processes to secure the rapid transit station’s development.

Further complicating the landscape are negotiations over nearby parcels, which ODOT has not yet agreed to sell or lease for parking. The success of the project depends on continued collaboration between public agencies, private investors, and community stakeholders to address these and other hurdles.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Cleveland Metroparks, the Greater Cleveland RTA, and Cleveland Soccer Group represents a bold vision for the future of Cleveland’s sports and recreation landscape. By integrating a world-class soccer stadium with enhanced public transportation and green space development, this project promises to transform Southeast Downtown Cleveland into a vibrant, accessible community hub.

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