Cleveland Metroparks and Cleveland Soccer Group have acquired a 13.6-acre parcel in the heart of Cleveland from the Ohio Department of Transportation. The acquired land will be used for the development of a new stadium, set to become the home of a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team in Northeast Ohio. The proposal includes a public-private partnership that aims to bring professional women's soccer to the region.

Situated across from Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, the proposed stadium will feature amenities such as public trails, parking, green spaces, and bike paths, aligning with Cleveland Metroparks' mission to connect communities through recreational opportunities. The stadium design will accommodate a minimum of 12,500 fans, with the flexibility to expand to 20,000 if required. It will not only host NWSL matches but also be the home venue for a Men's Major League Soccer NEXT Pro club and other sporting and cultural events.

Michael Murphy, Co-Founder & CEO of Cleveland Soccer Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Cleveland Metroparks, emphasizing their shared commitment to promoting equity and driving economic impact through women's professional sports. The collaboration represents a significant step towards fulfilling the longstanding vision for urban development in Cleveland.

The acquisition of the $4.2 million property by Cleveland Metroparks is fully funded by Cleveland Soccer Group, which is actively working with local governmental entities to finalize the financial framework for this groundbreaking project. The Cleveland Soccer Group, established in 2022, is dedicated to introducing professional soccer in Cleveland and leveraging the sport to strengthen local communities and inspire progress across the region.

The proposed stadium is set to serve as a pillar for sports and entertainment in Cleveland, fostering a new era for soccer enthusiasts in the city and beyond. For more information on the upcoming stadium project, interested individuals can reach out to Gina Prodan Kelly at gina@clevelandsoccergroup.com.

Following the announcement, social media users expressed optimism for the initiative, citing Cleveland as a prime location for NWSL expansion and applauding the potential economic benefits for the region. The buzz surrounding the project underscores the growing interest in soccer in Ohio and the anticipation of Cleveland's emergence as a prominent soccer hub in the United States.

Cleveland's transformation into a soccer destination is poised to redefine the sports landscape in the Midwest, offering a new platform for women's soccer and enhancing the vibrancy of Cleveland's sporting culture. The collaborative efforts between Cleveland Metroparks and Cleveland Soccer Group signify a significant milestone in the city's sporting history, promising a bright future for soccer enthusiasts in Northeast Ohio.