USA: Four stadiums of the future in MLS

31.07.2025 11:53 source: StadiumDB.com; author: Paulina Skóra

Major League Soccer is investing heavily in stadium infrastructure, opening a new chapter in the league’s history. Across the United States, modern multifunctional venues are being built, aimed not only at improving fan comfort but also at becoming catalysts for local community development. From Miami to New York – MLS is building the stadiums of the future.

A new chapter for Chicago Fire

A world-class city deserves a club with an equally world-class stadium, announced American billionaire Joe Mansueto, confirming plans for a new venue. Chicago Fire will grow stronger – soon we will have a permanent home, promised the club’s owner.

The team currently plays at Soldier Field – the third stadium in the club’s 27-year history. However, sharing the stadium with the American football team Chicago Bears causes logistical problems. The new stadium will be built less than a kilometer away, in The 78 district – directly above the southern branch of the Chicago River. It was a golden location – perfect for a stadium, admitted Mansueto.

The new stadium in Chicago will hold about 22,000 spectators. While its primary purpose will be soccer, it will also be possible to organize rugby matches, lacrosse, concerts, and other events. Opponents will be intimidated, promises the owner, who dreams of creating a true fortress for Fire.

The design by the Gensler studio references Chicago’s industrial identity – with a brick facade inspired by the city’s architecture. The construction cost – estimated at $650 million – will be fully covered by Joe Mansueto. This financing model is meant to speed up the work, which is planned to start at the end of 2026. The opening is scheduled for spring 2028. Joe Mansueto is not just building a stadium – he is shaping the future of soccer in Chicago, emphasized MLS commissioner Don Garber.

A rebuild after a decade

The $182 million Toyota Stadium modernization project entered the implementation phase after approval in September 2024. The first stage – demolition of the east stand – began in March and will last until summer 2026. Later, work will move to the west stand. The main change will be a modern roof providing shade for all 22,500 spectators. It’s raining today, which fits the theme perfectly, said Frisco mayor Jeff Cheney at the investment launch conference.

The works will include the largest video screen in MLS (over 550 m²), three new club suites, luxury apartments, a modern press center, and increased catering points (by 59%) and restrooms (by 26%). The field’s drainage system will also be modernized. We will have the best compact soccer stadium in the world, promises FC Dallas president Dan Hunt.

The stadium’s capacity will temporarily decrease to 11,000 seats, but matches will not be canceled or moved. The stadium surroundings will be modernized at a cost of $800 million to $1 billion, from private funds. The modernization itself is a public-private partnership project: 35.71% of the costs (about $65 million) will be covered by Hunt Sports Group.

The first soccer-only stadium in New York

New York City FC – the only MLS club based in five New York boroughs – will soon get its own stadium. Etihad Park, a modern 25,000-seat venue, will become the first soccer-specific stadium within the city limits.

It is being built in Willets Point – next to Citi Field and the Billie Jean King tennis complex. The stadium will serve not only matches but also concerts and community events. The project is 100% privately funded – the club raised $780 million through J.P. Morgan. The design is by HOK, and the general contractor is Turner Construction Company.

Inspired by the district’s industrial past, Etihad Park will combine brick, steel, and glass. A transparent roof will provide daylight and better acoustics. At the entrance, The Cube will be a seven-story structure with over 1,000 m² of LED screens, symbolizing Queens’ multiculturalism. The stadium will offer luxury suites, stands close to the pitch, and adaptable event spaces. The club’s City in the Community foundation will also have a permanent home there.

Etihad Park will be the first fully electric MLS stadium and will seek LEED Gold certification. Systems for rainwater recovery, solar panels, local materials, and green roofs will be implemented. The stadium is built above the flood zone, increasing resilience to climate change effects. This is part of the $3 billion Willets Point revitalization. The project’s expected economic impact is $6 billion over 30 years, with over 14,000 temporary jobs and 1,550 permanent ones.

Construction began December 4, 2024, and the first structural beam was installed June 18, 2025. Completion is planned for mid-2027 – just before the MLS season start.

Miami Freedom Park – Beckham’s dream come true

Among the most impressive projects currently underway, Miami Freedom Park – the future home of Inter Miami CF – certainly stands out. The 25,000-seat venue will not only provide Lionel Messi’s team with state-of-the-art facilities, but it will also become the centerpiece of a 73-acre complex featuring a public park, job opportunities, and residential space. The stadium will be ready in 2026.

Our beautiful new home is taking shape. For me, Jorge, and Jose Mas, our dream for the club is becoming a reality. Miami Freedom Park… coming soon, wrote Beckham. Construction began in August 2023 and is fully privately funded by the club’s ownership group. The total cost of the investment is estimated at $1 billion (around £745 million). In addition to the stadium, the plan includes Miami’s largest city park and the creation of 15,000 direct and indirect jobs.