The next step is official, as the City of Springfield and the Springfield City Council work to bring professional soccer to the Ozarks.
City officials say that the council unanimously voted Monday night to sign a letter of intent with the USL, or United Soccer League, for negotiations to begin for the process of placing both men’s and women’s professional teams in the Springfield market.
During the meeting Monday, the council also agreed on a formal announcement, which will be held this afternoon, December 17, at 2:00pm at the intersection of National Avenue and Traffickway Street, which is the location of the proposed stadium the teams would play in.
The next part of the process will now include a viability study by the City of Springfield to determine the chances of professional soccer being successful in the area. The cost of the study may be shared by the USL, according the Springfield City Council.
Considerations are also being made for a joint agreement with the league and the city for the purpose of creating a multi-purpose sports complex for the team’s to play in, as well as the ability to host other events.
Following the announcement, Amanda Ohlensehlen, Director of Economic Vitality and Workforce Department in Springfield said, “We believe this partnership could elevate Springfield’s sports landscape, provide new entertainment options, and drive significant economic and community benefits.”
