One Loudoun Stadium Hearing at Farmwell Station Tonight

Loudoun residents are invited to speak tonight about the proposal to permit a 5,500-seat stadium where concerts could also be held at the southwest corner of Loudoun County Parkway and Route 7.

The Loudoun Board of Supervisors scheduled the public hearing – which begins at 6 p.m. at Farmwell Station Middle School, 44281 Gloucester Parkway in Ashburn – which is closer to the ballpark site than the county boardroom.

The proposal is intended to serve as home field for two anticipated professional sports teams – the Loudoun Hounds professional baseball club and the Virginia Cavalry FC NASL Soccer team – and has earned many supporters and many opponents. Documents related to the proposal can be found on the county’s website.

The Loudoun Hounds initially planned a stadium at the Kincora development a little farther to the east along Route 7, but delays there would not permit the team to start in 2014. The team previously stalled its start date and faces a deadline from the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, the organization of which the team would be a part.

So One Loudoun stepped in and offered to convert a portion of its commercial space for use as a stadium (those are the approvals now under consideration by Loudoun supervisors; who have the option of voting on the item tonight if they agree to suspend the rules and do so). Supervisors agreed to expedite the stadium review.

Opponents have expressed concerns primarily about noise and traffic. In addition, concerns had been raised about a nearby heron rookery. At Kincora, additional restrictions were placed on fireworks displays; the One Loudoun location is farther away from the rookery.

Supporters have expressed a desire to have a family friendly professional sports facility in the county.