ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando City Soccer Club announced Friday that it will privately finance its downtown soccer-only stadium.
The stadium, originally touted as a city-owned venue, will now be owned and operated privately by the team.
[WATCH: Fans react to stadium announcement]
Team owner Flávio Augusto da Silva said the stadium's capacity will be expanded to up to 28,000. Originally, it was slated to hold 19,500.
Orlando City said the decision to privately fund the stadium will allow the project to move forward immediately, with an expected completion date of summer 2016.
The city of Orlando has agreed to sell the property in Parramore designated as the site for the downtown soccer stadium to Orlando City Soccer Club, and the Club has agreed to develop the stadium. Orlando City SC will become the sole owners and operators of the venue.
The site of the stadium has been cleared, but construction has not yet begun.
"Orlando is an incredible market for professional soccer and attendance at our matches clearly demonstrates that demand," said Majority Owner Flavio Augusto da Silva. "Before deciding to invest in Orlando City, I researched several markets around the country for professional soccer, but Orlando became the ideal location because of the fan base and the city's leadership. I believe in Mayor (Buddy) Dyer's vision for the future of this great city, which is why we are investing even more into this project today. I am very excited for the future and very grateful for the wonderful partnership with Mayor Dyer and the city of Orlando."
Through its first seven home games, nearly 250,000 fans have attended Lions' matches at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, including over 52,000 from outside the state, the team said.
Fans at Saturday's match against Columbus tell Local 6 they are thrilled with the plan for the team to pay for the stadium.
"I think it's a great idea. I'm excited that nobody has to worry about anything with the city with the county with the government. We get a bigger stadium. More season tickets for me," said fan Sue Jenick.
"I think it's fantastic. I think Orlando has supported the Lions here and I think they have proven that this is something that can sustain itself," said Jordon Schagrin.