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What’s the latest on Lexington Sporting Club

Green looks good on you, Lexington. | Graphic by LEXtoday

We are just under six weeks away from kicking off Lexington Sporting Club’s inaugural season — Saturday, March 18 at One Knoxville FC. To help you keep up with all the excitement, here’s a recap of roster additions, notable headlines, and key dates.

The roster

For the past few weeks, we’ve seen numerous player signings from other USL League One teams, and from around the world. Lexingtonians might recognize names like Wildcat alumni Kaelin Fox, Lafayette graduate Kimball Jackson, and Bryan Station superstar Diallo Irakoze, who have all joined their hometown team.

Newsworthy notes

The organization has inked a partnership with local gym Proof Fitness to offer “Elite Training” for its youth club participants.
Sam Stockley, who served as the Sporting Director helping to bring the USL League One team to the Horse Capital of the World, was named the team’s first head coach.
Taylor Spyker just joined the organization as the head athletic trainer. Taylor most recently spent eight years at UK Athletics working with the football, men’s soccer, and cheerleading teams.

Key dates

The road has been a little rocky on Lexington SC’s journey to settle down roots. Today, Thursday, Jan. 26 at 1:30 p.m., the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss various zoning items. On the docket will be a zone change for a parcel of land near the I-75 junction on Athens-Boonesboro Road. This is where Lexington SC hopes to put its outdoor practice facilities.

In the meantime, thanks to a partnership with Transylvania University, the team has been able to train at Thomas Field.

While the location is still TBD, Lexington SC will host its first home game on Saturday, April 8 against Forward Madison (Hey, 608today).

Although ticket deposits are sold out for the home matches, you can still get on the waitlist for when spots open up.

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Thursday, Jan. 26

Pottery Intro to Wheel Throwing | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 6-8 p.m. | Kre8now Makerspace, 305 Codell Dr., Lexington | $85-$95 | In this class, you will learn how to prepare and wedge clay and how to safely operate the pottery wheel during the throwing process.
Group Reiki & Sound Bowl Meditation | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 7 p.m. | White Willow Massage Therapy & Emporium, 400 Old Vine St., Ste. 100, Lexington | $40 | Wear comfy clothes and bring your own blankets to get ready to receive healing energies with singing bowls + Reiki.

Friday, Jan. 27

Blacklight Mystic Night Painting | Friday, Jan. 27 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 2573 Richmond Rd., Ste. #320, Lexington | $39-$49 | Paint your own night sky with glow paints and step-by-step instruction.

Saturday, Jan. 28

8th Annual Chili Challenge | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 12 p.m. | Talon Winery, 7086 Tates Creek Rd., Lexington | $5 | Sample all entries and let your chili fanatic voice be heard as you cast your vote for the People’s Champion award.

Sunday, Jan. 29

Grown Up Book Fair | Sunday, Jan. 29 | 1-4 p.m. | Pivot Brewing, 1400 Delaware Ave., Lexington | Free | Friends Book Cellar, North Lime Coffee & Donuts, and Pivot Brewing are helping you relive your glory days at this upgraded book fair.
Winter Tree ID Walk | Sunday, Jan. 29 | 2-3 p.m. | McConnell Springs, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | Free | Take a guided walk through the park to observe the trees and learn how they survive the frozen season.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

FIND WEEKEND PLANS HERE

Weather

35º | Morning snow showers | 36% chance of snow

Traffic

Motorists might have noticed there is a new traffic signal at Citation Boulevard and Sandersville Road. Right now it is in “flash” mode, but it will become fully activated beginning Friday, Jan. 27 at 9 a.m. 🚦
After hearing concerns from downtown business owners at a recent city council meeting, Lexington Parking Authority Director Gary Means said any further changes in hours or rates would be up to the Parking Authority Board. There are just two weeks left in the six-week warning period before fines will begin. (WEKU)

Development

Fayette County Public Schools and area leaders officially broke ground this week on the new $82.7 million middle school in Hamburg. Polo Club Middle School is expected to welcome 1,200 sixth-eighth graders at its projected open date in the fall of 2025. 🏗️ (WKYT)

Theater

Today through Saturday, the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center will host a series of special performances of “The Secret Garden.” Head to 141 E. Main St., where the students from SCAPA will take us to the Moors of England with their best British accents. Get tickets. (LEX18)

Home

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Eat

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Molly.

Editor’s pick: When you wake up Friday morning and find that we’re not in your inbox, no need to sound the alarms. We’re hitting the pause button for a day, but we’ll be back bright and early on Monday, Jan. 30 at 6 a.m.

In the meantime, remember that you never have to enjoy your cup of coffee sans LEXtoday. You can always browse some of our greatest hits on our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram, where we post every day about what’s going on around Lexington.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read the highlights from Mayor Linda Gorton’s State of the City Address, here.

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Editorial: Molly Thompson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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