The Orlando City Soccer Club unveiled its new stadium Friday, but the venue’s success will be judged by its long-term impact in Parramore.
- Orlando City Soccer says it's committed to Parramore community
- Parramore organizer: 'This is the beginning of something new'
- RELATED: Pictures: Orlando City Soccer Club unveils new stadium with fanfare
"I feel like this is the beginning of something new,” said Shanta Barton Stubbs, the longtime director of the New Image Youth Center on Parramore Avenue.
The price tag of the new Orlando City stadium was $153 million, all of which team officials said came from private funds. But community stakeholders hope the facility also benefits the public.
"Parramore has to speak up,” Barton Stubbs said. "We can't fight about it anymore. It's here, so (the question is) how are we going to allow this stadium to benefit us as a community, by coming together, allowing our voice to be heard and being a part of the newness which is taking place?” Barton Stubbs said.
Meanwhile, team cofounder Kay Rawlins said Orlando City is committed to being good neighbors.
"We've actually been working in Parramore since 2012. We work with Parramore Kidz Zone, we work with a lot of the community centers here,” said Rawlins, the club’s vice president of community relations who also serves as the Orlando City Orlando City Foundation board president.
Meanwhile, he said those partnerships are only expected to become more fruitful.
"Down the line, we're hoping to have an actual farmer's market here at the stadium. It will be very convenient for everyone who lives here,” Rawlins said.
Ultimately, the new stadium's success will be judged by Parramore’s continued redevelopment and growth.
"It certainly benefits brining business opportunities into Parramore,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said. “When you're bringing 26,000 people here on game day, there's going to be people who figure out how to make an economic benefit. There will be people who are working here in the stadium, but the redevelopment opportunities around the stadium are going to certainly enhance the neighborhood,” Dyer said.
"The best social program is a job,” said District 5 Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill, during a passionate speech during Friday's ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The 26,000-seat stadium is already paying dividends for Barton Stubbs’ family.
"My dad helped build this stadium with his bare hands, so this is part of me understanding what hard work can really produce,” Barton Stubbs said.
Orlando City is hosting a public open-house party from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday at the new stadium on Church Street in Parramore.
The Orlando City Soccer Club's new stadium displays a sign on its opening day Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 embracing its new home in Orlando's Parramore community. (News 13)