Orlando Soccer StadiumIn a vote of 5 – 2 yesterday, Orange County commissioners approved funding for a new 18,000 seat Orlando soccer stadium in the Parramore area downtown O-town. The estimated cost of the stadium is $85 million with $20 million coming from the Tourist Development Tax funds controlled by the Orange County Commissioners. Another $20 million will come from Orlando and smaller amounts from other jurisdictions, as well as $30 million from the team.

There were other winners from Tuesday night’s vote.  Besides soccer, additional approved funding includes:  $25 million to help complete the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts; $12 million more for the $191 million Florida Citrus Bowl renovation that starts in January; $27.5 million for more international- and sports-tourism ads; and $10 million in additional convention-center upgrades.

Earlier in the week, the folks at Major League Soccer already committed that they would bring a team to Orlando, if the stadium is built so we should see a MLS team in Orlando by 2015.