Orlando City Soccer fans wary over stadium changes – Bay News 9

With the news that the Orlando City Soccer Stadium is expanding, Lion fans told News 13 they are excited, but wary about the change.

“We can hope for the best that it will expand Orlando City Soccer,” Orlando City Soccer Club fan Lauren Stockner told News 13.

It’s all about Expansion with Soccer fans after hearing the news that the Soccer Club will now privately fund and own the stadium being built right here in Paramore.

With the promise that they will build it bigger than previously planned—going from seating 19,000 fans to seating up to 28,000 fans.

“At some point someone has to own that asset and develop that asset. It’s best if we can do that because then we can leverage it and use it to build the biggest stadium we possibly can with the best amenities,” said Phil Rawlins, president and founder of Orlando City Soccer Club.

With more seats comes a higher price tag for construction. Orlando City Soccer Officials said they do believe this new plan will cost more than $115 million the city previously thought it would cost.

Fans said they are nervous about what this could me for future ticket prices.

“I feel like that could be a concern because private investors are looking to make more money,” Stockner said.

“It could mean an increase in ticket prices, but even that could be expected if the teams profile keeps raising and raising,” another Soccer fan, Fred Pryor said.

When we asked officials with the Soccer Club about ticket prices raising because of privatization they said they haven’t discussed it, but don’t anticipate an increase in the near future.