One of the groups seeking to bring MLS soccer to St Louis – Foundry St Louis – and CannonDesign, an integrated global design firm, have officially unveiled initial renderings for a potential MLS stadium that could help bring the league to the city. The unveiling was part of a public engagement forum to collect feedback and discuss ideas from St Louis community members and local soccer fans. It also comes in the wake of an announcement from MLS commissioner Don Garber that St Louis is one of three leading candidates for the league’s next round of expansion.
The initial renderings propose a 22,500-seat stadium located on a 13-acre site owned by Saint Louis University (SLU) at the northwest corner of the Grand Boulevard and Chouteau Avenue intersection. In the proposal, SLU would own the property, with Foundry St Louis then leasing the land for the stadium. The stadium would also serve as the home for SLU’s men’s and women’s soccer teams, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise, and various other events such as concerts.
Foundry St Louis and CannonDesign plan to build on the initial renderings based on community feedback and ultimately submit an official proposal to MLS by November, when the league owners are expected to meet to discuss potential expansion plans. A recommendation on which cities could be awarded a team could come as early as December.
“If I had one thing I would do for St Louis in my lifetime, I’d want to bring a sports team to the city,” says Dan Cordes, CEO of Foundry St Louis. “We’re very hopeful the MLS expansion plans will include St Louis and our team is going to do everything possible to deliver a leading-edge proposal that delivers value for MLS and our city.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the city of St Louis and our team at CannonDesign,” says Mike Felton, principal at CannonDesign. “We’re thrilled Foundry St Louis asked us to be part of their team to design this uniquely St Louis stadium. Working with them to meld the best qualities of top international and national soccer venues with St Louis character is truly exciting.”
October 27, 2016
