Vote on USA stadium next week unlikely

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) - The future of an on-campus University of South Alabama stadium is still up in the air. The Mobile City Council is scheduled to vote on contributing money this week, but council members don't believe a vote is likely.

The University of South Alabama had hoped to break ground on the new stadium this month. But the future of the USA stadium has been tied, in the public's eye, to Ladd's future. And many do not want to see Ladd torn down.

Multiple community meetings have resulted in varied opinions. The city council has been getting input from citizens on whether to approve a plan to give $10 million over 20 years to help build an on campus stadium for the University of South Alabama.

"We do not have to make this decision in the next two weeks. We should take the time in order to get the information so the community has the opportunity to include input," said Robert Kennedy, a community activist.

As of right now, they are no closer to getting the stadium money approved. The council has been listening to people who will be impacted.

"This is a big endeavor, a transformative endeavor, not only for South Alabama but for Ladd and the community around it," said Levon Manzie, the Vice President of the Mobile City Council.

Council member Manzie has been outspoken about his support for Ladd-Peebles stadium, as well as for USA having their own stadium on campus.

"Gives me particularly much to think about, how can we do both things, how can we accomplish the mission at USA while also working to revitalize the community," said Manzie.

He says he's working on a plan for a compromise that will benefit Mobile.

"I want to put together a plan that the council votes on, that has actual dollars tied to it. So that we can actually revitalize those communities most impacted by the USA decision, by this USA stadium," said Manzie.

Monday night, there will be a community rally in support of the USA Stadium at the Dublin Eatery on Old Shell Road.

As of now, the USA stadium is still on the agenda, but Councilman Manzie says a vote is not likely, but thinks there will be a vote soon.

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