Now Louisville city leaders are getting serious about a new soccer stadium and their pursuit of an MLS franchise. Will the league be within reach of Kentucky’s fresh football club?

Louisville Metro Government has agreed to pay $75,000 to determine the feasibility of constructing a new 8,000-10,000 capacity stadium in four potential areas, including downtown Louisville. The stadium is to be expandable to about 20,000 seats for a chance to join MLS.

Louisville City FC was established recently, in 2014. The team have been playing at Slugger Field (baseball) and enjoyed good crowds in its first season, averaging just under 6,500 paid spectators.

In response to that success, the city said last fall it was exploring expansion plans, a possible new stadium, and attracting a Major League Soccer franchise. Louisville City FC plays in the third division, the United Soccer League.

The city announced the feasibility study Wednesday evening. Louisville City FC said on its website that the study is a “major step” and would send a clear message to Major League Soccer, which plans to add up to eight new teams.