Construction Has Already Begun On New MLS Stadium For Orlando City SC

Preliminary work "has already begun ... just a couple of blocks west" of Amway Center on the new Populous-designed stadium for Orlando City SC, which will be ready for the club's debut MLS season in '15, according to John Brown of Orlando-based WOFL-Fox. No new designs of the stadium have been released, but Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the stadium will be "a 'U'-shaped bowl with a little extension." He added, "It will be open to Church Street. So you know how soccer fans like to tailgate in bars beforehand and then march en masse? We're creating a gathering spot right on Church Street where you can see right into the stadium." Orlando City SC Owner & President Phil Rawlins said Populous has a "great track record of success with soccer stadiums." Brown added the Citrus Bowl is also getting a "major makeover ... that will have this old stadium looking brand-new." Brown: "That means this entire sports district is actually going to be a short walk end-to-end" (MYFOXORLANDO.com, 1/19).