New England Revolution are edging closer to a long-awaited breakthrough. The MLS club is looking to step out of Gillette Stadium’s shadow and embrace a new identity, a new location and a stadium designed to transform its relationship with fans and the city.

New England Revolution stadium instead of Gillette Stadium

For years, the New England Revolution have remained one of the few MLS clubs without a dedicated soccer stadium. Currently, the team plays its home matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, which it shares with the NFL’s New England Patriots. Although the venue can accommodate more than 60,000 spectators, its functionality and matchday atmosphere are limited when adapted for MLS games.

The planned stadium on the Mystic River is intended to fill this gap. Designed as a true soccer-specific venue, the new arena is expected to improve the fan experience, boost attendance, and strengthen the club’s position within MLS.

Stadium construction in Everett and Boston on the site of a former power plant

The New England Revolution Stadium is planned for a neglected, environmentally contaminated site of a former power plant, located partly in Everett and partly in Boston. For years, the location remained unused, and the stadium project is expected to become a catalyst for the comprehensive revitalization of the Mystic River waterfront. The estimated total cost of the entire investment is around $500 million. The project includes not only the construction of the stadium, but also the creation of new, publicly accessible recreational spaces in the immediate vicinity.

An integral part of the development will be a new four-acre waterfront park in Everett. Approximately $20 million has been allocated for its construction. The park is intended to be open to residents year-round and will include, among other features, a pedestrian and cycling promenade along the river near the Alford Street Bridge. An additional $80 million will be dedicated to demolishing the old power plant and decontaminating the site. The plans also include raising the ground level to improve resilience against potential flooding and the effects of climate change.

© New England Revolution | New England Revolution want to step out of the shadow of Gillette Stadium and build their own identity.

Private financing and benefits for local communities

Both the stadium and the park along the Mystic River are to be financed privately by The Kraft Group. However, the agreements with the cities include a broad package of benefits for local communities. Under a 20-year agreement, the city of Everett is set to receive a total of approximately $91.7 million in direct payments, infrastructure investments, and other benefits. In addition, the city will receive $2.25 from every ticket sold for stadium events.

Separately, The Kraft Group has committed approximately $100 million exclusively to environmental measures related to the cleanup and securing of the former power plant site. Meanwhile, the agreement with Boston includes a community benefits package worth nearly $48 million over a 15-year period, as well as commitments related to local hiring and transportation coordination.

MLS stadium construction timeline and further procedures

Although the agreements with Boston and Everett represent a significant step forward, the project still requires a series of approvals at both the local and state levels. In April 2024, the first stadium renderings were presented during a commission meeting, while legislation was simultaneously advanced to change the port designation of the 43-acre parcel, which would enable the project to move forward.

According to New England Revolution president Brian Bilello, the earliest realistic date for the stadium’s opening is 2027. Until then, The Kraft Group has announced continued cooperation with local governments and residents to ensure the project meets both the club’s sporting ambitions and the long-term needs of the communities along the Mystic River.

© New England Revolution | An integral part of the development will be a new four-acre waterfront park in Everett.