INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): The Indiana House voted 73-21 Wednesday afternoon in favor of House Bill 1273 to enable construction of a new 18,500-seat multipurpose stadium proposed for downtown Indianapolis.

According to a press release, the stadium would serve as a permanent home for all Indy Eleven games and the stadium is expected to host at least 50 events annually.

“Indy Eleven appreciates the time that members of the House put forth to consider the merits of House Bill 1273, and we’re pleased to have such momentum as we turn our focus to the Senate,” said Indy Eleven President/General Manager Peter Wilt. “We also thank the legions of soccer fans from around Indiana who have reached out to support our efforts to build a permanent home for the fastest growing sport in the nation.”

Officials project it will cost $82 million to construct the facility, which the venue’s anticipated opening is in 2017. Sales and income tax revenues generated at the stadium site would go towards payment of the venue’s construction costs, as would a payment of 10 percent of ticket revenues from events by Indy Eleven.

If approved by the Indiana General Assembly, the proposed funding mechanism will not result in any increase in city or state taxes.

Details about the stadium proposal can be found at www.stadiumforindiana.com.