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Orlando's Soccer Team Seeks County Funding for Major League Stadium

August 6, 2013 | WMFE - With a new stadium, Orlando could get a major league soccer team as early as October. That's according to Orlando City Soccer Club President Phil Rawlins. Rawlins wants to take his minor league soccer team to the big leagues, and he asked Orange County commissioners Tuesday for their support.

Rawlins spoke before an overflowing chamber. Many wore the team's color purple.

Rawlins asked commissioners for $20 million in tourist development tax funding to help pay for a new stadium. He said a major league team in Orlando would boost the city's profile especially among Brazilian tourists, who are avid soccer fans.

Commissioners also heard from supporters like sports store owner Tom Traxler

"It's very important that we get this stadium so we can have the ability to showcase our team, to showcase our fans, to showcase our county to those around the world."

But some people worry the stadium will take money away from other projects and delay construction on the Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Citrus Bowl.

Others told the commissioners a new stadium would displace Parramore residents and should not be built with public funds anyway.

Activist Lawanna Gelzer said she doesn't oppose the stadium. She opposes its construction in Parramore.

"If you want a soccer stadium build it. If you're a billionaire build it. Why in Parramore? And why do we constantly use public funds?"

 

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