Indy Eleven Stadium Supporters Make Their Case To Lawmakers

Supporters of a new Indy Eleven soccer stadium are wondering whether there’s acceptable legislation that would help fund the facility.

The bill Sen. Jack Sandlin (R-Indianapolis) authored that would help fund a new Indianapolis soccer stadium is unlikely to get a hearing. However, the Senate Appropriations Committee heard another bill Thursday that could be amended to include the stadium proposal.

During the committee meeting, Indy Eleven stadium proponents got a chance to pitch their case as to why Indiana needs a new soccer stadium. It's an attempt to convince lawmakers to consider amending Chairman Ryan Mishler’s (R-Bremen) bill to add the Indy Eleven Stadium language.

Mishler’s bill deals with the Marion County Capital Improvement Board and Professional Sports Development Areas, PSDAs, which already include Lucas Oil Stadium and Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It also includes extending the Indiana Pacers’ contract to stay in Indianapolis for another 25 years.

Indy Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir argues attendance continues to grow and a new facility could help the team become a part of Major League Soccer.

“We simply cannot continue this positive momentum and on the path to the next level without a world-class facility in Indiana,” says Ozdemir.

Ozdemir says the proposed 22,000-seat stadium and surrounding mixed-use development included in the Eleven Park proposal would not use current tax streams. Rather, the park’s designated PSDA could collect up to $11 million per year for 32 years in taxes generated within the district.

Sandlin says the new stadium would benefit the entire state.

“I believe that this project will not only not only benefit the City of Indianapolis, but the State of Indiana well into the future,” says Sandlin.

The committee is expected to vote next week on if the final bill will include the soccer stadium proposal.