Soccer aficionados, take note! The landscape of MLS stadiums is as dynamic as the game itself. These temples of sport are not just about the matches; they’re a testament to the growth of the game in North America. With the excitement building towards the 2026 World Cup, these venues are set to be on the world stage, showcasing the best of soccer in cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Stay tuned as we explore MLS stadiums in-depth, including those poised to host the world’s biggest soccer event in 2026.
World Cup 2026 Stadiums
List of USA Stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- MetLife Stadium / East Rutherford, NJ
- Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- Explore Central Park, an urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan.
- Take in panoramic views from the Empire State Building or One World Observatory.
- Gillette Stadium / Foxborough, MA
- Walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route that leads to 16 historically significant sites.
- Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Boston Public Garden.
- Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Boston’s famous eateries.
- NRG Stadium / Houston, TX
- Explore the Houston Space Center, the coastal visitor center at NASA’s astronaut training and flight control complex
- Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Relax in Hermann Park or take a stroll through the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.
MLS Stadiums
Major League Soccer (MLS) currently boasts 29 teams, with each team playing in its own state-of-the-art stadium. Soccer fans across North America can now experience thrilling matches in modern facilities designed specifically for the sport. In this section, we’ll dive into a few notable MLS stadiums that showcase the league’s growing popularity and commitment to quality venues.
One standout among MLS stadiums is Dignity Health Park in Los Angeles. Home to the LA Galaxy, this venue can hold up to 27,000 cheering fans. The stadium is praised for its intimate atmosphere, making spectators feel like they’re part of the action on the field.
Another impressive MLS stadium is Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, home to the New York Red Bulls. With a seating capacity of 25,000, the arena is known for its sleek, modern design and excellent sightlines for fans. The stadium also boasts a unique partial roof that covers most spectators, adding an element of comfort for those enjoying the game.
In terms of capacity, one of the largest MLS stadiums is Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, home to Atlanta United FC. With an incredible seating capacity of 42,500, which can be expanded to over 70,000 for other events, this stadium has quickly become a symbol of the MLS’s growth and recognition. Moreover, its stunning retractable roof and environmentally friendly design make it a standout among soccer stadiums worldwide.
To date, there have been many new soccer-specific stadiums built or renovated for MLS teams. Some recent examples include Lower.com Field for the Columbus Crew and TQL Stadium for FC Cincinnati, both opened in 2021. These additions to the league are proof of MLS’s commitment to providing top-quality venues for players and fans alike.
We hope this brief exploration of MLS stadiums has given you a glimpse into the exciting world of soccer in North America. As the league continues to grow, we can expect even more fantastic venues to emerge and showcase the beautiful game.
History of MLS Stadiums
When it comes to MLS stadiums, there is quite a bit of history behind them. The journey of these stadiums started in 1996, with teams initially using multi-purpose stadiums, often shared with other sports teams for their games. Over time, dedicated soccer-specific stadiums began to take shape, enhancing the experience for fans and the sport itself.
The first major soccer-specific stadium opened in 1999—Columbus Crew’s home ground MAPFRE Stadium, which cost $28.5 million. This milestone marked the beginning of a trend for teams building their own dedicated soccer venues, enabling them to provide better facilities and atmosphere to fans while growing the sport in a rapidly awakening soccer nation.
As the league expanded, more stadiums were constructed throughout the United States and Canada, each with its own unique features and capacities. For example, the Colorado Rapids’ stadium in Commerce City, a Denver suburb, opened in 2007 with a seating capacity of over 18,000 and an elevation of 5,200 feet above sea level.
By the 2023 season, MLS boasts 29 teams playing in their stadiums—26 in the United States and 3 in Canada. With a 30th team planned to enter in 2025, the league’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. Each newly constructed stadium adds to the rich and diverse landscape of soccer venues in the country, fueling an ever-growing passion for the beautiful game.
We are excited to see the continued development of MLS stadiums to accommodate the expansion and embrace the world of soccer in our cities and communities, providing an unforgettable experience for fans and fostering the growth of the sport on this side of the globe.
Prominent MLS Stadiums
In this section, we’ll explore three of the most prominent MLS stadiums: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Providence Park, and Red Bull Arena.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the home of Atlanta United FC. This remarkable stadium has a seating capacity of 42,500, which can expand to 71,000 for special events. What sets this stadium apart is its stunning retractable roof, which resembles a camera aperture. The stadium also features the largest 360-degree video board in any sports venue in the world. Fans visiting Mercedes-Benz Stadium are always amazed by its state-of-the-art technology, comfortable seating, and excellent food options.
Providence Park
In the picturesque city of Portland, Oregon, you’ll find the historic Providence Park, home to the Portland Timbers. Built originally in 1926, Providence Park underwent significant renovations in 2019, expanding its seating capacity to 25,218. This stadium is known for its passionate fan base and electric atmosphere, especially in the famous Timbers Army section. The unique design of Providence Park, with its urban setting and steeply-pitched seating areas, creates an intimate environment for fans to enjoy the beautiful game.
Red Bull Arena
Finally, let’s talk about Red Bull Arena, the home ground for the New York Red Bulls. Located in Harrison, New Jersey, this stadium boasts a seating capacity of 25,000. Opened in 2010, Red Bull Arena has a roof canopy that covers every seat, ensuring that fans can enjoy the game regardless of the weather. Moreover, the stadium is designed with the fans in mind, offering excellent sightlines and close proximity to the field, creating a fantastic atmosphere during matches.
Innovations in MLS Stadiums
In recent years, several new stadiums have been introduced, each with state-of-the-art features and amenities designed to enhance the fan experience. In this section, we’ll explore some of these innovative features that make attending an MLS match a truly memorable event.
Firstly, it’s worth mentioning the debut of Lower.com Field, home to the Columbus Crew, as well as FC Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium and Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium in 2021. These new venues introduced a range of modern technologies and stadium designs that catered to both the players’ and fans’ needs.
One noticeable trend in recent MLS stadium designs is the focus on creating an intimate and energetic atmosphere. Many new stadiums feature steep seating arrangements with the stands close to the pitch, ensuring that fans are right in the heart of the action. These designs help amplify the intensity of the game and make every match an unforgettable experience.
Another key innovation in MLS stadiums is the incorporation of environmentally friendly initiatives, such as solar panels, green roofs, and rainwater collection systems. For instance, Allianz Field in Minnesota boasts a 28,000-square-foot green roof and has a stormwater management system in place to reduce the environmental impact of the stadium.
Future of MLS Stadiums
We’re eager to share our insights into the ongoing growth and development happening within Major League Soccer’s infrastructure. New venues are popping up all over the league, indicating a promising future for soccer in the United States and Canada.
In recent years, there has been an acceleration in stadium construction in the MLS, with five new arenas opening since the start of 2021. This push will continue in the coming years, as various projects are underway and new stadiums are planned or under construction. Some of the most memorable new additions in 2021 include FC Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium and Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium.
As of November 2021, a total of 25 MLS stadiums have been built or renovated, and more are in the pipeline. The last six years, in particular, have been a period of massive growth for the league’s infrastructure as ten new stadiums made their debut from 2017 to 2021.
This rapid stadium expansion isn’t expected to slow down soon, although with five new stadiums already open between 2021 and 2022, the pace may have finally started to stabilize. The MLS’s commitment to modernizing and expanding facilities speaks of its dedication to providing players and fans with state-of-the-art soccer experiences.
Impact of Stadiums on Local Economies
As we explore the world of MLS stadiums, it’s essential to consider their impact on local economies. Stadiums can represent significant investments for cities and taxpayers, so understanding their potential effects helps us make informed decisions regarding public financing and community support.
MLS stadiums are often financed through public funds, with the assumption that these investments will result in increased jobs in the short-run and increased spending through tourism over the long-run. However, the economic outcomes can be mixed.
On one hand, MLS stadiums can bring in new revenue streams for cities. Hosting events and matches can attract visitors from outside the local area, resulting in increased spending at hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses. This additional spending supports job creation and can increase tax revenue for the city.
Another positive aspect of MLS stadiums is that they can serve as a revitalization catalyst for underdeveloped areas within the city. Stadiums can attract additional investments in the surrounding neighborhoods, such as new housing developments, retail, and entertainment venues. This can lead to increased property values and further economic development.
On the other hand, there is evidence that the economic benefits of sports stadiums may not be as significant as advertised. Critics argue that public money could be better spent on other projects that would have a more direct impact on the local economy. Some economists also contend that the jobs created by stadiums tend to be low-paying, temporary positions that do not contribute significantly to local economic growth.
Fan Experience in MLS Stadiums
We’ve all heard about the thrilling atmosphere that takes place in MLS stadiums. There are die-hard fans, incredible chants, and pure soccer excitement. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the noteworthy fan experiences in MLS stadiums.
Orlando City Stadium is known for offering one of the best fan experiences in the league. With its intimate seating arrangement and a dedicated supporters’ section known as “The Wall,” fans get to be part of an electrifying atmosphere that is hard to match.
Another stadium that has taken fan experience into consideration is the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The venue has partnered with IBM to create an optimal fan experience, with seamless technology integration throughout the stadium. Fans can enjoy fast Wi-Fi connections, mobile ticketing, and an impressive halo scoreboard that ensures everyone has a clear view of the match events.
In 2021, four MLS venues were able to offer fans a new video display experience, which certainly added to the matchday excitement. These included arenas for Austin FC, FC Cincinnati, and Columbus Crew, among others. The updated LED displays showcased in these stadiums allow fans to feel more engaged during the matches.
Comparison with International Stadiums
When it comes to MLS stadiums, we can’t help but draw comparisons to their international counterparts, especially those in Europe and South America, where soccer has a rich tradition and deep cultural roots. While MLS stadiums have improved significantly over the years, they still have some catching up to do in terms of capacity, atmosphere, and amenities offered.
Many European and South American soccer stadiums boast capacities well above the majority of MLS venues. For instance, iconic stadiums like Camp Nou in Barcelona and Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro hold over 90,000 and 78,000 spectators, respectively. While the largest MLS stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, has a capacity of 71,000, many other MLS stadiums have capacities closer to 20,000 or 30,000.
The atmosphere plays a crucial role in the soccer experience. Many European and South American stadiums are known for their passionate fans and electrifying environments, creating a unique experience for the players and spectators alike. MLS stadiums are gradually building their unique atmospheres, but it may take time to reach the levels of fervor seen in international stadiums. This is partly due to the relatively young age of the league and the growing soccer culture in North America.
Our Thoughts on MLS Stadiums
As we explore Major League Soccer, one thing that consistently stands out is the incredible variety of MLS stadiums. Each venue offers its distinct character and atmosphere, catering to the diverse preferences of soccer fans across North America. In this section, we’ll share our thoughts on some of the most notable MLS stadiums.
Providence Park in Portland is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for any soccer enthusiast. With its electric atmosphere and passionate supporters, the home of the Portland Timbers and Thorns FC promises an unforgettable experience.
While newer stadiums like those in Nashville, Cincinnati, and Austin have made impressive strides in design and fan amenities, they have yet to reach the iconic status of some of the classics.
A visit to Banc of California Stadium, home to LAFC, is a testament to the growth of soccer in Los Angeles. The state-of-the-art facility is quickly becoming a fan favorite, hosting some of the most exciting matches in MLS.
Since soccer-specific stadiums have come a long way since the early days of the league, it’s worth appreciating the pioneers such as Home Depot Center (LA), Pizza Hut Park (Dallas), and Crew Stadium. These venues set the foundation for the development of soccer culture in the United States.
As MLS continues to expand across the continent, more exciting stadium projects are in the pipeline, like Miami Freedom Park, which promises to become a fantastic addition to the league.
FAQ
Welcome to our friendly guide on MLS stadiums! Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about these amazing venues.
How many MLS Stadiums are there?
As of the 2023 season, there are 29 MLS stadiums, with 26 located in the United States and 3 in Canada. A 30th team is planned to enter in 2025, which will add another stadium to the list. You can find more information about these stadiums on Wikipedia.
Which is the biggest MLS Stadium?
The largest MLS stadium in terms of seating capacity is Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which is home to Atlanta United. The stadium can hold an impressive 42,500 fans for soccer matches.
Which is the best MLS Stadium?
Determining the “best” MLS stadium is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but some notable venues to visit include:
Providence Park (Portland Timbers): Known for its incredible atmosphere and passionate fanbase.
Banc of California Stadium (LAFC): Boasts great sightlines and modern amenities.
Allianz Field (Minnesota United): Features a stunning exterior design and intimate setting.
For a ranked list of top 10 MLS stadiums to visit in 2023, check o
Which is the oldest MLS Stadium?
The oldest soccer-specific MLS stadium is Mapfre Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The venue was built in 1999 and is home to the Columbus Crew. It has a seating capacity of 19,968. However, some older stadiums like Soldier Field can be considered older, but they were not originally built specifically for soccer.
What’s your opinion on the MLS Stadiums? Let us know in the comments!
