Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - After plans to build a new professional soccer stadium on Elk Street fell through earlier this month, the gears are in motion to find a new spot for Buffalo Pro Soccer's future home.
Buffalo Pro Soccer president Peter Marlette Jr. says the plan is to begin play in 2027, compared to earlier plans to start playing in 2026.
"I'd say we could make a decision today, but we want to make sure we have really figured everything out, and making sure that we are making the right choice and picking a site that we can move forward with immediately, but that also will be sustainable for a long time," said Marlette Jr.
Buffalo Pro Soccer held an open house Thursday night at Larkin Square to get the public's take on the stadium site. Many fans tell WBEN they want to see the stadium built downtown in the Buffalo News lot.
"Even as someone who lives in Depew, I prefer to have it in Downtown Buffalo," said Brian Roth, a "founding member" of the team. "Everybody keeps saying the Buffalo News lot, that would be my No. 1 choice personally. Couple other spots I've heard mentioned I would like there, but I think No. 1 would be that Buffalo News lot."
The open house was an opportunity for the public to learn more about stadium plans, and even an opportunity to come up with a team name and team colors. Fans were happy to know that even with the delay, plans are still on to build a stadium in Buffalo.
"When it was announced a couple weeks ago that they weren't going to build a stadium down here in Larkinville, it was kind of disappointing," Dominik Rettberg said. "But coming here, it was kind of reassuring that they are dedicated to the city, and they are dedicated to a fanbase that is definitely going to grow here in Buffalo."