An artist's rendering of Orlando's proposed Major League Soccer stadium was released by architecture firm Woods Bagot and it appears that an Australian architects office have thrown their hat in the ring for the opportunity to help build a new stadium in Orlando should they be granted MLS status.
Despite since removing the images, their pitch has been put into cyberspace, never to be removed.
Orlando City Soccer Club have distanced themselves from the rendered plans, claiming that no decision will be made on the choice of architect until a confirmed spot has been granted to them, saying:
“The stadium rendering images recently posted on-line by an architecture firm based in Australia were released without knowledge or input from Orlando City Soccer. The pictures represent purely prototype drawings developed by an architect not employed by the Club who wished to build our potential future stadium. Simply put, Orlando City has not yet selected an architect to design the stadium – and will not do so unless both the City & County finalize its portion of funding for the proposed 50/50% public-private partnership stadium plan. Orlando City encourages all our fans to learn more, and to express support for the project, at OrlandoBelievesInMLS.com.”
The 18'000 seater stadium is reminiscent of many top European club sides stadia and Woods Bagot stated:
Designed for Orlando City Soccer Club’s urban site, this stadium is a very urban form that responds to the tight city grid. The lines are crisp and rectilinear, creating a translucent white “jewel box” with the bold colors of Orlando City (purple) glowing through a louvered skin. The design communicates a contemporary Florida vibe but also boasts the tight urban enclosure that can be seen in many of the historic English Premier League venues.
Orlando's dates with destiny occur on October 7 and 22 when decisions and voting will be taken by the City of Orlando on the earlier date on whether to approve the funds for a new downtown, multi-purpose soccer stadium. Orange County will vote just two weeks later.
Truly a couple of weeks that could make or break the future of the soccer sides MLS ambitions. At least, for now, we have an idea of what it may look like!
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