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Plans revealed for FC Cincinnati stadium

Major League Soccer expansion franchise Cincinnati FC has revealed more details on its proposed new stadium, which it hopes to move into by 2021.

The team is due to begin playing in MLS in 2019 before moving into the new $200m (£157m/€176m) stadium two years later.

It has now emerged that a section of Cincinnati’s Central Parkway may need to be closed on game days to allow pedestrians a safe route to the stadium.

The Cincinnati.com website, citing planning documents submitted to the city for the stadium project, reported that plans also include a hotel and entertainment venues close to the stadium.

The report added that the stadium, which is set to have a capacity of between 25,500 and 26,500, will have six levels on its east west sides, with the main entrance to be on the east side or Central Parkway side.

Parking remains an issue for the stadium, with Cincinnati.com reporting that the availability of a Hamilton County garage is under discussion.

As well as hosting FC Cincinnati games, the stadium will stage exhibition matches, rallies, concerts and community events.

Work on the site is set to begin next spring. Architectural firm MEIS has been appointed to design the new facility, with Turner Construction to manage construction. The Machete Group will manage all phases of the stadium, with U.S. Bank having signed on as its finance partner.

Cincinnati was announced as the latest location for an MLS team in May, bringing the total number of franchises to 24 from next season.

Image: FC Cincinnati