COLORADO SPRINGS — New information was revealed on Wednesday evening about the potential plan to construct a soccer stadium for the Switchbacks in downtown Colorado Springs. While the plan has not gotten the final approval yet, parking is on many people's minds already.
Information from the Downtown Stadium Fact Sheet said a sold out soccer game would need about 2,350 parking spots. Some of the new information those behind the project spoke about was securing 600 more spots, in addition to the thousands already available downtown they said are within walking distance. The potential entrance to the stadium was presented to the public as well, and the architecture of it was called "iconic."
Also discussed at the meeting was the current budget for the project, which includes land. Those working on the stadium said the budget is now around $30 million dollars, after growing through private investment.
A handful of people at the meeting decided to pose questions, ranging from the environmental impact of the project to parking. News 5 spoke with one woman who expressed a concern specifically about metered parking. "If you parked somewhere at 4:00 p.m. and the meter runs out at 6:00 p.m., you could leave your car there for the whole night, which could take up space for somebody who might want to park later to go to a restaurant, or a bar, or some other location downtown... I mean I know for me, if I'm not going to be able to park somewhere pretty close, then I might choose to go to a different location or not go out at all," said Cori Magnusson, who said she has lived in Colorado Springs for around two years.
Those with the Switchbacks said metered parking is not something they have control over, but did mention there could be solutions to that problem. President Nick Ragain said in other cities where he sees "vehicle parking use that is unacceptable, I tend to see a lot of towing signs, so there are ways to solve that problem."
The project is going through the Colorado Springs city's process, and they are waiting on city council's decision before starting any construction. Ragain said he expects the decision to come in December, and if it is approved, the first game could be played in March of 2021.
