Where are some of the newest soccer stadiums being built in the United States?
Soccer fever has taken hold in the U.S. and with more stadiums opening and more on the way, fans have a lot to look forward to.
With the popularity of the ‘world’s game’ continuing to grow across North America, it’s no wonder that there has been a boom in stadium construction over the last few years. Join us for a look at the newest of them.
Miami Freedom Park - Inter Miami FC
First up we have the new home of David Beckham’s Inter Miami C.F. A relatively new team to the MLS following expansion, Inter has used private financing to construct both a $60 million, 18,000-seat stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as well as its future stadium in Miami. While both of Inter Miami C.F’s stadiums are more or less complete there still continues to be a great deal of work on training facilities as well as commercial zones for fans and residents alike as part of a larger $1 billion sports focused project. There will also be a hotel and residential area constructed across 131 acres of land that has been leased by the city of Miami to the franchise. The stadium is expected to have a capacity of 25,000.
Centene Stadium - St. Louis City SC
Yet another expansion team - the 29th team in MLS to be exact - St. Louis City SC’s new home will carry the name of Centene - the multi-national healthcare enterprise - after negotiating a 15 year naming rights partnership. Expected to open its doors later this Summer the stadium will have a capacity of 22,500 with all seats being situated within 120 feet of the pitch. In addition there will be a 3000+ safe standing section for fans who can’t stay in their seats. There will also be training facilities and the team’s headquarters located nearby within the same urban area of St. Louis’ downtown western district.
GEODIS Park - Nashville SC
Though Nashville SC opened the doors of their new stadium on the first of this month, it makes our list as it is now the largest soccer specific stadium on the North American continent with some 30,000 seats available to fans as well as a 65 foot wide concourse and safe standing area. Built in the heart of Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, the stadium boasts a 360 degree canopy and more importantly a short distance between seats and the pitch with just 150 feet of space being reported.
Railyards Stadium - Sacramento Republic FC
Sacramento Republic F.C. has played in the USL since 2014, however, they are now expected to arrive in the MLS in 2022 and with that one can imagine a new stadium is a must. Indeed, the franchise recently announced their vision for their new home which is set to be constructed in the area surrounding the Sacramento Railyards. The idea is to convert the long long-abandoned space into a 240 acres sporting and commercial zone that will include entertainment locales, the stadium, and residential areas. With an estimated cost of $226 million the stadium is set to have a capacity of between 12,000 and 15,000 with a “futureproof plan” that would see expansion move it up to 20,000.
Milwaukee Soccer Stadium Project
While it will likely be home to Milwaukee’s USL team, it’s worth mentioning because of the size and scale of the intended project. Set for a 2024 opening, the 8,000 capacity stadium will actually be the center piece of a large scale development that will include an indoor concert venue, a full-service hotel, multi-family residential housing, retail, and of course food and beverage locations. “Milwaukee is one of the great sports cities in the United States, and we are excited to bring professional outdoor soccer to the community,” said Jim Kacmarcik, chairman and CEO of Kacmarcik Enterprises, and the lead owner of Forward Madison FC, Madison’s USL League One franchise.
Kansas City Current Stadium - KC Current
Like the above mentioned project in Milwaukee, the KC Current’s development is another that is outside of the MLS, however, it definitely deserves mention as it will be the first facility purpose-built to house a NWSL team. With the price tag set at approximately $117 million, owners of KC Current are set on increasing the originally intended capacity of 11,000 up to 11,500. Set for a 2024 opening the stadium will be a fitting addition to a sporting landscape that already boasts the likes of the Kansas City Royals and the famous Kansas city Chiefs.