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County leaders to consider $24M plan to improve Memorial Stadium

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A $24 million plan could breathe new life into Charlotte’s historic Memorial Stadium.

County leaders hope major upgrades could lure a professional soccer team to the Queen City.

The plan calls for keeping the historic feel at Memorial Stadium by moving the wall back piece by piece because they need to widen the field to meet regulations.

The landmark stadium was built in the 1930s.

“If they could turn that stadium into an MLS-quality stadium for $24 million, it sounds like a bargain,” Brad Brizendine with MTH Realty said.

The stadium would have just under 11,000 seats and construction would start in 2018.

Brizendine, who works nearby, loves the idea of bringing a professional soccer field to the Elizabeth neighborhood.

“That’d be a perfect location for it,” he said. “It’s got the great skyline backdrop, which really looks great on television.”

The question is who would pay for it.

Channel 9 learned the funds could come from a number of places, including the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Independence Soccer or the county.

Tax dollars would also be needed.

“We’re going to have to look at the numbers and see what kind of investment we’re making and what sort of return we can expect,” Mecklenburg County Commissioner Matthew Ridenour said.

Ridenour said he likes the idea of breathing new life into the stadium, as long as it protects the historic feel. Eyewitness News asked if it could bring in another professional team, and he said he wouldn’t rule it out.

“I think this would certainly be a step in the right direction,” he said.

“My husband is from Germany and is a big soccer fan,” supporter Joanne Jordan said. “We would love it. It’s worth the money.”

Others worry about increased traffic in Elizabeth.

“I’d be more concerned about the infrastructure to support it, in terms of parking and traffic,” resident Steven Levine said.

The proposal will be presented to commissioners during their meeting Wednesday.

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