The county’s $24 million plan to renovate Memorial Stadium for soccer includes historic touches
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Over the last year, there’s been a ton of talk about the future of Memorial Stadium.
Should it be torn down and replaced? Should it be renovated? Who will pay for it? Will professional soccer play in it?
A little background: Memorial Stadium was built in the mid-1930s, funded by the Depression-era WPA. President Franklin Roosevelt himself came down to dedicate it.
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It remained the largest stadium in the region until the Panthers launched and still hosts some of the city’s highest-profile events.
[Agenda story: I will strap myself to the gates of Memorial Stadium to prevent it from being torn down]
Mecklenburg County is ready to release its new plan: A $24 million renovation.
Jim Garges, who runs the county’s parks and rec department, will outline it at a commissioners meeting next week. We took a look at the scheduled presentation and some renderings of what it would look like post-renovation.
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Keep in mind, this is all a proposal and still a long way off. If the commissioners go for this, construction wouldn’t kick off until mid-2018.
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Image via Mecklenburg County
There will be several historic touches.
For one, the historic stone field wall would be preserved but it would have to be moved and rebuilt to accommodate the wider soccer field.
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Image via Mecklenburg County
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There would also be a revamped memorial for armed services members inside the main entry plaza.
The stadium would also play a bigger role in the surrounding area.
Very cool integration with the greenway, including bathrooms (necessary).
Will there be fewer seats?
The county currently lists capacity at about 17,000. The proposal includes just under 11,000 seats.
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Image via Mecklenburg County
Who would use it?
- Charlotte Independence soccer
- Charlotte Hounds lacrosse
- Amateur sporting events
- High school and college soccer
- Festivals
- Concerts
Who will pay for it? Probably several groups (including taxpayers).
The “potential funding model” includes the following players:
- The city of Charlotte/Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
- Mecklenburg County
- Charlotte Independence
County commissioners will weigh in on this July 6.