With a 16th NWSL team likely on its way, Cleveland is hoping to throw its hat into the ring, and got itself a boost this week. On Thursday, Cleveland Soccer Group (CSG) — a development group that aims to expand professional soccer in the region — bolstered its chances with the announcement that it had purchased land for a brand-new women's soccer stadium.
The group, along with Cleveland Metroparks, acquired 13.6 acres of state-owned land in a $4.2 million deal. Cleveland Metroparks, a public organization that operates nature preserves around the Cleveland area, made the acquisition, while CSG funded the operation. The parcel is across from Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians.
Cleveland Soccer Group plans to build a stadium for a proposed $150 million if the NWSL approves the bid. The stadium itself is planned for 12,500 fans, with the possibility of expanding to 20,000. Per the group, CSG already has nearly 15,000 season ticket pledges if the NWSL grants Cleveland the bid. [Yahoo Sports]
Getting closer to this dream @nwsl team every day. Excited to announce, with our partners @clevemetroparks, acquisition of 13.6 acres of land for our soccer stadium in downtown Cleveland.
— Cleveland Pro Soccer (@cleprosoccer) September 19, 2024
Watch our latest rendering to get a sense of where to meet us on Game Days. pic.twitter.com/oUL380M25k
Girls in Indiana and around the country received a vote of confidence Sept. 19 when state, regional and local leaders announced a significant investment in their future. The Marvella sports complex will offer facilities for girls sports at Fair Oaks Farms in Newton County.
The $38.8 million first phase of the project will include a 300,000-square-foot facility with 16 courts and fields.
“The Marvella facilities will create a destination that will attract athletes from all over the country,” said said Heather Ennis, president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, in a press release.
The development includes $4.5 million in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative 2.0 funding. [NWIndianaBusiness.com]
Officials with the City of Lawton took a major milestone on a much anticipated project on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Lawton Aquatics Center at the site of the future center -- near the existing splash pad in Elmer Thomas Park.
City officials are eager to begin the work on the facility, which they say will feature a pool, diving boards, a lazy river and more.
“It’s just like all the other parks and recreation areas,” said Larry Parks, City of Lawton Parks and Rec Director. “It is a spot to connect the community. When the community comes here, they will be able to conversate, they will be able to share ideas -- and I’m talking about the eldest of our citizens to the infants, you know? They’re going to all come and visit this spot, so what a way to connect your community.” [ABC 7]
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