Orlando City sets date for new stadium groundbreaking

Orlando+City+will+break+ground+on+their+new+Downtown+Soccer+Stadium+on+Thursday%2C+Oct.+16.

Ty Wright / Valencia Voice

Orlando City will break ground on their new Downtown Soccer Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 16.

After a change of location and months of delays, Orlando City SC will finally break ground on their new Downtown Soccer Stadium, the groundbreaking will take place on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 5 p.m.

The groundbreaking will take place on the property where the stadium will sit, which is on the northwest corner of Church Street and Parramore Avenue. The event will be open to the public, as fans are encouraged to come out for the historic groundbreaking.

“October 16 will be a landmark day for the community of Parramore, the City of Orlando, Orange County, our fans and our Club,” said Orlando City President and Founder Phil Rawlins in a press release. “We look forward to hosting an unforgettable, festive celebration to mark the ceremonial start of construction of what will be the best soccer stadium in the league.”

Orlando City plans on opening the 20,000 seat stadium in time for the 2016 MLS season, after delays stopped the team from hitting their original 2015 deadline.

The club will play their 2015 home games at the newly renovated Florida Citrus Bowl and then move into the Downtown Soccer Stadium in 2016.