Preliminary discussions to bring professional soccer to Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Professional soccer could be in the near future for the City of Springfield as preliminary discussions are underway with the United Soccer League (USL).

The USL has sent a letter of intent to the city and tomorrow December 3 the Springfield City Council will be considering the letter which would commit the city to sharing the cost of feasibility research with the USL.

"The city of Springfield and USL would share 50/50 of the feasibility and conduct research for the potential for a stadium site here in the city of Springfield," said Springfield Director of Economic Vitality and Workforce Development Amanda Ohlensehlen.

The United Soccer League has operated in the United States for over 30 years, with multiple professional and semi-pro teams across the country. The potential collaboration between the USL and Springfield could result in the development of a multi-purpose sports and entertainment district, which would be built at 1109 E. Trafficway next to Hammons Field.

John Markey is the executive director at Lake Country Soccer, he believes the USL would only strengthen the soccer presence in Springfield.

"Any advancement in soccer we're excited for. Anything that brings recognition to high-level soccer here is helpful for Lake Country and for all the soccer community. So, I think that's a good thing," said Markey. He also believes that the proposed location would enhance the downtown experience. "It starts to give an arena area right there downtown. And again, it helps reinvigorate the whole downtown aspect that they've been working on."

Ohlensehlen said that it's because of developments like these that strengthen a community.

"This has the potential to bring more professional sports teams to Springfield, to have additional impacts to our community," says Ohlensehlen.

City Council will hear the first reading of the letter of intent tomorrow, with the public hearing carried over and an expected vote on December 16th.