Soccer-Specific Stadiums Integral For MLS Expansion and Growth

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Soccer-Specific Stadiums Integral For MLS Expansion and Growth

September 20, 2016  10:11AM EDT

Allison Cary

For a new team looking to join MLS, a “soccer-specific” stadium is a crucial piece of the puzzle. While not a strict requirement, MLS does want teams to have their own place to play and a soccer-specific stadium is especially desirable. But why?

There are many reasons why MLS has pushed for the soccer-specific stadium. It has brought tons of investment into the league and has given fans of this sport a place to call their own. Stadiums built for soccer have created a better gameday environment than playing in a bowl or an NFL stadium. But most importantly, soccer-specific stadiums have grown interest in the community.

The first soccer-specific stadium emerged in Columbus in 1999. Soon other teams followed, including Los Angeles and Dallas. But they were looking to keep costs low, which resulted in an overall lack of investment in the facility. Stadiums weren’t always in the best location or built with the highest levels of technology. It was a risky gamble.

But as the league has begun to grow, so have the stadiums. Orlando City’s soccer-specific stadium is nearing completion and will stand as an example for clubs in the future. It is located in the heart of downtown Orlando, is privately funded, and is built to maximize the gameday experience. Los Angeles FC, Minnesota United, and D.C. United are also in the process of building their own stadiums. David Beckham is still hunting for land for his own stadium in Miami.

There appear to be three major waves of soccer-specific stadiums. The First Wave started in the late 90s and the early 2000s. The Second wave lasted from the mid-2000s to 2015. And the Third Wave of stadiums is those yet to be open.