FC Cincinnati Stadium Construction Paused Over 'Racist Incidents' at Site

Construction won’t restart until everyone on the site undergoes anti-bias training, officials said.

CINCINNATI, Ohio (AP) — Work on FC Cincinnati’s soccer stadium came to a standstill Monday because there have been two “racist incidents” by workers in the past week, and construction won’t restart until everyone on the site undergoes anti-bias training, officials said.

David Spaulding, Turner Construction vice president and general manager, said the two “incidents” were caused by subcontractors on the work site, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

“Turner has zero tolerance for racism and hate. We removed the people responsible for these actions from the site and they will not be allowed back,” Spaulding said in a statement, adding that work will resume when the training is complete.

Construction officials did not disclose the details of what happened on the job site.

Construction began on the $250 million stadium in December 2018. It’s slated for completion in the spring of 2021.

FC Cincinnati officials said the team supports Turner’s decision.

As part of an agreement with the community, the team and Turner set goals for spending on minority- and women-owned businesses. The team said Monday those economic inclusion goals have been exceeded.