Soccer Stadium Funding Added to CIB Bill

Many committees will begin meeting this month.

The Indiana Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a bill that includes funding for a new soccer stadium in Indianapolis, however the stadium may not necessarily become home to the Indy Eleven. Our partners at WIBC report the bill authorizes financing for a stadium to host a Major League Soccer team; the Indy Eleven play in the United Soccer League. The bill also funds the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center and two hotels in downtown Indy, as well as extends the Indiana Pacers’ lease at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

The Indy Eleven released the following statement after the vote:

Today was a step forward for professional soccer in Indiana. Thank you to our fans for your outreach and the amazing support for soccer around the state.  We will continue to work toward a soccer-specific experience for the world’s game in the Hoosier state. This gives fans another reason to be excited for this 2019 season and the momentum we are collectively creating.

In late 2017, Indianapolis was a semifinalist to become the home of a new MLS franchise but was ultimately not chosen. The Eleven said at the time it would continue to push for a new stadium and an MLS franchise.

The Indy Eleven is pushing for funding for its proposed $150 million stadium, which is part of the overall $550 million Eleven Park development. The project would include 250,000 square feet of office and retail space, as well as 600 apartments and a 200-room boutique hotel. The team says the Capital Improvement Board would own the stadium, while it would cover operating expenses.