A milestone for the upcoming FC Cincinnati stadium is on the way, as a groundbreaking ceremony will take place on December 19.

After having its expansion bid approved in May, FC Cincinnati is preparing for its upcoming transition from Division II USL to MLS. The club will remain at the University of Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium for the 2019 and 2020 MLS seasons, but is planning to move into a new soccer-specific venue at the current site of Taft IT High School’s Stargel Stadium in the city’s West End in 2021.

One of the first big milestones for the project will come on Wednesday, December 19, when the FC Cincinnati stadium groundbreaking ceremony is held. Under its current timeline, the stadium is expected to host its grand opening on March 1, 2021. More from the Cincinnati Enquirer:

Construction is scheduled to begin on the FC Cincinnati stadium in West End on Dec. 19, team officials said Friday.

FC Cincinnati and Turner Construction held a news conference to outline construction plans and revealed details of the schedule.

Demolition of Taft IT High School’s Stargel Stadium will come first.

FC Cincinnati is scheduled to take possession of the site on Nov. 16, but officials said they were willing to work with Cincinnati Public Schools regarding specific dates.

FC Cincinnati’s expansion bid was one of two approved by MLS during the last round, as it followed the December 2017 selection of Nashville. Nashville is slated to begin MLS play at a temporary home in 2020 while awaiting its own soccer-specific stadium for the 2021 season, with its facility plan calling for a new venue to be constructed at The Faigrounds Nashville.

Renderings courtesy Meis Architects.

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