Both the group behind the riverfront soccer stadium concept and the Mud Hens organization applied for a portion of the state’s $1 billion fund for sports facilities.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Two groups in Toledo are looking to beef up the city’s sports scene by applying for a portion of state funds set aside for building new sports facilities in Ohio or renovating existing ones.

There are two major proposals at hand: one submitted by Summit Street Sports LLC would build an $83.6 million soccer stadium in the Vistula Historic District to bring men’s and women’s United Soccer League franchises to the city and catalyze further development in the area, and the other would renovate Fifth Third Field over the next nine years for $17.6 million.

Both organizations are seeking a piece of the $1 million in unclaimed funds that make up the Ohio Sports Facility Performance Grant fund for their projects. The state already allocated $600 million of that to be used for a new Cleveland Browns stadium, leaving the remaining $400 million up for grabs.


Soccer stadium

For its stadium concept, Summit Street Sports is requesting $20.9 million for a facility that would seat 7,500 people, host 142 events per year and be open for the 2028-29 soccer season, according to the proposal. An economic study conducted by Conventions, Sports & Leisure International projects 19 men’s games would be part of the total event number, which primarily consists of private events.

The further development aspect of the stadium would be a $241 million mixed-use district with hotels, restaurants and entertainment.

Summit Street Sports’ application to the state and the economic study are below:




Fifth Third Field

The Mud Hens are asking for $4.4 million for the two phases of upgrades to the baseball stadium, which would “enhance facility performance, modernize fan-facing amenities, and ensure long-term operational reliability,” according to the proposal submitted to the state.

There are 11 total projects within the larger renovation effort. The first phase would run from 2026 to 2030 and encompass seven projects for a projected total of $15.2 million. The Mud Hens would pay $11.4 million of this.

The second, less expensive phase runs from 2031 to 2035 and has four upgrades for a projected total of $2.4 million, which the Mud Hens would pay $1.8 million of.

The Mud Hens’ submission to the state detailing its renovation plan is below: