While Lexington SC has been diligently working to assemble its professional roster, the club has also been taking steps to finalize where that roster will play its matches. The team had originally planned to build a stadium in downtown Lexington, but soon changed course. A second site plan was announced and then quickly squashed when, according to local media, “farm owners and leaders in the horse industry” opposed the plan. Now the club seems to have finally found the site for their proposed stadium, but is dealing with the general hassle all facilities go through before being built.

According to WKYT, a Lexington, Kentucky CBS affiliate, the zoning change necessary for the construction for the stadium passed a Lexington City Planning Commission vote after hours of debate. According to the report, some neighbors of the proposed site are opposed to the construction, including a Fayetteville Circuit Judge. Those opponents showed up to the meeting to express their disappointment with plan to rezone the area. Regardless, the plan passed the commission’s vote.

Gabbert speaking on local TV after the commission’s vote.

Lexington SC President Vince Gabbert is quoted in the report: “Our 2900 season ticket deposits we’ve held, and our 1400 families that are a part of our youth club, they’re excited. They want these fields built, this stadium up and these teams to start playing.” The club’s plan is a $40 million, 6,500-seat stadium, with a medical and practice facility, restaurant space, and parking. The size and scope of the plan is why the zoning committee vote was required.

The proposed plans will now move on to the Urban County Council for final approval. The club is set to kick off its inaugural League One season on March 18th on the road and One Knoxville SC

- Protagonist Staff