GEORGETOWN, Ky. – USL League One expansion club Lexington Sporting Club announced on Friday it had finalized a multi-year partnership to compete at Toyota Stadium on the campus of Georgetown College as its temporary home venue, beginning with the 2023 USL League One season, while the club builds its own permanent home stadium.

Lexington SC’s inaugural home opener is scheduled for April 8 against Forward Madison FC at 7 p.m. ET.

“It was important for us to find the right home for 2023, and we could not be more pleased with our partnership with Georgetown College,” said Bill Shively, principal owner of Lexington SC. “There are a lot of variables to consider when looking for a home while we pursue our own soccer-specific stadium, and we know that Toyota Stadium will provide a fan-friendly experience and ensure a professional environment for the team.”

The 5,000-seat stadium is home to Georgetown College’s football, soccer and lacrosse teams and has served as a hub of community activity for years, featuring state and local soccer championship events. Previously, the stadium served as the longtime home of the Cincinnati Bengals’ Summer Training Camp.

“By partnering with LSC, Georgetown College is not only able to offer a first-rate athletic experience for our student-athletes but also bring professional sports to Scott County,” said Dr. Rosemary Allen, Georgetown College President. “The economic impact for the local community will be a significant benefit for the region and for youth soccer players since LSC and GC will partner to offer summer soccer camps. We look forward to the many opportunities students, athletes, families, and the community will enjoy by having LSC at Georgetown College.”

In preparation for the club’s first season, Lexington SC will install multiple facility updates, most notably a new state-of-the-art artificial turf field, which replicates the product installed at the National Football League’s Miami Dolphins training facility. The Matrix Helix turf provides all athletes with a safe surface and relief from the heat, as the field features EcoTherm infill which can reduce the surface temperature of the field by nearly 30 degrees. It is the same surface Lexington SC is installing at its multi-million dollar training facility on Athens Boonesboro Rd., which serves the club’s 1,400 youth players and is set to open this spring.  

The collaboration extends beyond the field of play as Georgetown College and Lexington SC will integrate the professional club into the College’s Sports Management curriculum, by providing the opportunity to invite club executives into the classroom, students to gain experience through internship opportunities, and more.

“This partnership sends a signal that Georgetown College is a destination for athletics and the broader community,” said Brian Evans, GC Vice President for Athletics. “Throughout this process, LSC has been easy to work with, ensuring that this project would happen by making their leadership team available. This partnership will allow us to install the same playing surface that is located in SoFi and AT&T stadiums in the NFL. I want to also thank the Georgetown College Board of Trustees for their support of this collaboration.”