Football on the University of Richmond campus is a step closer to kickoff.

The Richmond Planning Commission voted yesterday to recommend approval of plans for an 8,700-seat stadium along Boatwright Drive. UR is proposing a $25 million expansion of First Market Stadium, which accommodates about 2,500 spectators and is used primarily for soccer and track and field.

The project would move the Spiders' home football games from the city-owned UR Stadium, near Carytown, beginning in 2010. That stadium can seat 22,000 spectators.

The Planning Commission voted 8-0 to support a special-use permit for the enlarged stadium as well as changes to the university's master plan. Commissioner Charles Wray did not participate in the discussion or vote because he is an architect with BCWH, the architectural firm for the project.

The proposal drew no opposition at yesterday's public hearing. The City Council is scheduled to consider the measure July 28.

Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or wjones@timesdispatch.com.