Downtown Buffalo eyed for new soccer stadium

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Talks continue between the City of Buffalo and Buffalo Pro Soccer in the hopes of finding a site for a downtown stadium, and bringing a USL Championship Soccer team to Western New York.

"I think Peter Marlette has put together a tremendous team, at this point in time, that is really doing its due diligence about where to locate that stadium," says Brendan Mehaffy, executive director of the Office of Strategic Planning for the City of Buffalo.

Mehaffy says the parking lot behind the Buffalo News building could be a possible location, which could create a sports district.

"I won't say that is the only location, but I certainly know it's been part of the conversation for that team. I would imagine in the next month or two, I and the public will know much more about what their decision making is. But to be a complement for our community, next to our the hockey arena, and not only that, but obviously the Harborcenter that is there, as well as Sahlen Field and the Flickenger Center, would create a lot of energy around sports and around that area," Mehaffy said.

Marlette from Buffalo Pro Soccer was unavailable for an interview on Wednesday, but provided this statement to WBEN:

"Buffalo Pro Soccer is making real progress on finalizing a stadium location. We appreciate the City of Buffalo's collaboration and support throughout this process as we continue to evaluate potential stadium sites. The site downtown is one option currently being evaluated, but no decision has been made."