White Stadium – design description

What is the brief overview of the White Stadium renovation?

The White Stadium renovation is a joint investment by the City of Boston and a new women’s soccer club, Boston Legacy FC, which will enter the prestigious National Women’s Soccer League in the 2026 season and plans to play its home games at this venue.

White Stadium was inaugurated in 1949, and over time its condition has gradually deteriorated. It is a relatively modest venue with an athletics track and two stands, located within Franklin Park, a few miles south of downtown Boston. The planned modernization is set to be the most extensive in the stadium’s history.

The project includes a complete overhaul of the stands, including the demolition and reconstruction of the entire east stand. The west stand will retain its distinctive semicircular art deco facade, a roof will be added over the seating areas, and the stadium’s capacity will remain at 10,000 spectators.

Construction began in early 2025 with demolition work. Completion is scheduled for March 2026.

How did the plans to renovate White Stadium come about?

What is White Stadium like?

White Stadium is located within Franklin Park, a few miles south of downtown Boston. The stadium was built between 1947 and 1949, and has since fallen into disrepair. It features an athletics track and two stands that can accommodate 10,000 spectators. It serves Boston Public Schools as well as the local community.

Who is behind the White Stadium renovation?

In April 2023 the City of Boston issued a request for proposals for a public-private partnership to reimagine and reinvest in White Stadium. Only one entity responded to the call: Boston Unity Soccer Partners, a group aiming to establish a new professional women’s soccer club in Boston.

Boston Unity Soccer Partners soon achieved their goal—on September 19, 2023, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the top tier of women’s soccer in the United States, announced the league’s expansion to include a new team from Boston, set to begin play in the 2026 season.

In October 2024, it was announced that the team would be named BOS Nation FC. Since the name was not well received, a new one—Boston Legacy FC—was revealed in March 2025.

Under the agreement reached earlier with the city, the new team is to play its matches at White Stadium, with a full renovation planned ahead of the team’s debut. The architectural firm Stantec was commissioned to design the stadium’s redevelopment.

What are the plans for the renovation of White Stadium?

How will White Stadium be rebuilt?

The plan calls for a comprehensive reconstruction of the stands, including roofing and complete demolition and rebuilding of the east stand. The main stand (west) will retain its distinctive semicircular art deco facade, and the stadium’s capacity will remain at 10,000.

The facility will receive a new eight-lane athletics track, which will be covered during soccer matches. Additional mobile bleachers will be placed closer to the pitch during games. Around the track, mixed-use pavilions will be built offering food and beverage options.

The project also includes revitalizing the surrounding area, particularly the zone behind the southern curve known as The Grove, which is intended to host additional events such as small performances, seasonal markets, and cultural gatherings.

How much will the White Stadium renovation cost?

The renovation is expected to cost $200 million, of which $91 million will come from the city budget. The remainder will be financed by the owners of Boston Legacy FC. After the renovation, the stadium will remain city-owned.

How will White Stadium be used after renovation?

Boston Legacy FC plans to use the stadium for around 20 matchdays per year. Outside of those dates, it will continue to serve Boston Public Schools and the local community.

When will the renovation of White Stadium take place?

Construction began in early 2025 with demolition works. The project is scheduled for completion in March 2026.

The investment faced opposition from the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, a group dedicated to preserving Boston’s parks, as well as from local residents who formed the Franklin Park Defenders movement. However, on April 2, 2025, a court dismissed the complaints and allowed work to continue.