CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte City Council members will vote Monday night on the fate of a baseball stadium in uptown.
People in favor of it gathered outside the government center with a giant inflatable baseball signed by supporters.
The stadium would be the new home of the Charlotte Knights, currently located in Fort Mill.
Council members have to vote on whether to approve $8 million in funding, consisting of $7.25 million in city tourism funding and $750,000 from Charlotte Center City Partners. The money would be paid over 20 years.
The $54-million stadium would be built in the Third Ward neighborhood of Uptown, and that neighborhood association has voiced its support.
Some city council members have said it's just the "wrong time" to spend this kind of money.
But officials with Center City Partners pointed out a recent report estimating it would create more than 700 jobs and help the city.
"It creates a lot of annual tax revenue, it creates a lot of jobs," said President & CEO of Center City Partners Michael Smith. "This is a big opportunity for our city."
If the stadium is voted down, the Knights will likely remain in Fort Mill.
If is it approved, the Knights must have an approved financing plan in place by June 30 and begin construction in October.