Best Soccer Stadiums in the USA

Soccer is a top three sport in the USA and gaining popularity by the week. With the recent growth of the sport, there are now many stadiums across the country that are dedicated to soccer…which is amazing to see!

They offer fans an unparalleled experience, with state-of-the-art facilities, world-class amenities, and an electric atmosphere.

The best soccer stadiums in the U.S. are ‘small’ and provide a loud atmosphere among fans. From the iconic Providence Park in Portland to the magnificent Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, there are many great soccer stadiums across the country that are worth visiting.

Whether you are a die-hard MLS fan or simply looking for a fun and exciting experience, these stadiums are sure to impress! If you happen to be in the city visiting or live near the stadium, you’ll want to check these out.

Best MLS Soccer Stadiums

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta United FC)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a soccer stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is home to Atlanta United FC and has a seating capacity of 71,000. The stadium has a retractable roof and a unique circular video board that spans the length of the field. The stadium has hosted several major soccer events, including the 2018 MLS Cup and the 2019 Campeones Cup.

Allianz Field (Minnesota United FC)

Allianz Field is a soccer-specific stadium located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is home to Minnesota United FC and has a seating capacity of 19,400. The stadium features a translucent roof and a unique exterior design that incorporates LED lighting. Allianz Field has been praised for its intimate atmosphere and excellent sightlines.

Red Bull Arena (New York Red Bulls)

Red Bull Arena is a soccer stadium located in Harrison, New Jersey. It is home to the New York Red Bulls and has a seating capacity of 25,000. The stadium is known for its steep seating bowl, which provides excellent sightlines for fans. Red Bull Arena has hosted several major soccer events, including the 2011 MLS All-Star Game and the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final.

BMO Stadium (Toronto FC)

BMO Stadium is a soccer stadium located in Toronto, Canada. It is home to Toronto FC and has a seating capacity of 30,000. The stadium has a unique design that incorporates a canopy roof and a vertical garden. BMO Stadium has hosted several major soccer events, including the 2010 MLS Cup and the 2016 MLS All-Star Game.

Children’s Mercy Park (Sporting Kansas City)

Children’s Mercy Park is a soccer stadium located in Kansas City, Kansas. It is home to Sporting Kansas City and has a seating capacity of 18,467. The stadium is known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent sightlines. Children’s Mercy Park has hosted several major soccer events, including the 2013 MLS Cup and the 2014 MLS All-Star Game.

Providence Park (Portland Timbers)

Providence Park is a soccer stadium located in Portland, Oregon. It is home to the Portland Timbers and has a seating capacity of 25,218. The stadium is known for its passionate fan base and unique atmosphere. Providence Park has hosted several major soccer events, including the 2014 MLS All-Star Game and the 2015 NWSL Championship.

Subaru Park (Philadelphia Union)

Subaru Park is a soccer stadium located in Chester, Pennsylvania. It is home to the Philadelphia Union and has a seating capacity of 18,500. The stadium features a unique riverfront location and excellent sightlines for fans. Subaru Park has hosted several major soccer events, including the 2012 MLS All-Star Game and the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Lumen Field (Seattle Sounders FC)

Lumen Field is a multi-purpose stadium located in Seattle, Washington. It is home to the Seattle Sounders FC and has a seating capacity of 68,740. The stadium has a unique design that incorporates a cantilevered roof and excellent sightlines for fans. Lumen Field has hosted several major soccer events, including the 2019 MLS Cup and the 2014 US Open Cup Final.

Dignity Health Sports Park (LA Galaxy)

Dignity Health Sports Park is a multi-purpose stadium located in Carson, California. It is home to the LA Galaxy and has a seating capacity of 27,000. The stadium has a unique design that incorporates a canopy roof and excellent sightlines for fans. Dignity Health Sports Park has hosted several major soccer events, including the 2003 MLS Cup and the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final.

Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte FC)

Bank of America Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is home to the Charlotte FC and has a seating capacity of 75,525. The stadium has a unique design that incorporates a retractable roof and excellent sightlines for fans. Bank of America Stadium will host several major soccer events, including the 2022 MLS All-Star Game and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

GEODIS Park (Nashville SC)

GEODIS Park is a soccer stadium located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is home to Nashville SC and has a seating capacity of 30,000. The stadium has a unique design that incorporates a canopy roof and excellent sightlines for fans. GEODIS Park will host several major soccer events, including the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

TQL Stadium (FC Cincinnati)

TQL Stadium is a soccer stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is home to FC Cincinnati and has a seating capacity of 26,000. The stadium has a unique design that incorporates a canopy roof and excellent sightlines for fans. TQL Stadium will host several major soccer events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Q2 Stadium (Austin FC)

Q2 Stadium is a soccer-specific stadium located in North Austin, Texas that holds 20,738. It is the home of Austin FC, a MLS team that began play in 2021. The stadium hosted its first event on June 16, 2021, an international friendly between the United States women’s national team and Nigeria.

Features of a Good Soccer Stadium

When it comes to soccer stadiums in the USA, there are a few key features that make a good one stand out from the rest. From field quality to seating capacity, here are the most important factors to consider when evaluating a soccer stadium.

Field (Pitch) Quality

The quality of the playing surface is one of the most important factors to consider when evaluating a soccer stadium.

A good pitch should be well-maintained, with a flat and level surface that allows for consistent ball movement. It should also be free of any divots or bumps that could cause players to trip or stumble.

In addition to the playing surface itself, the stadium’s drainage system is also an important consideration. A good drainage system will ensure that the pitch remains playable even during heavy rain or other inclement weather.

This is especially true for turf fields which most U.S. stadiums are.

Facilities and Amenities

Another important factor to consider when evaluating a soccer stadium is the quality of its facilities and amenities.

A good stadium should have plenty of restrooms, concession stands, and other amenities to accommodate large crowds. All of the professional stadiums have this part figured out because it equals more revenue.

In addition to basic facilities, a good stadium should also offer a range of amenities to enhance the fan experience. This might include things like luxury boxes, club lounges, and other premium seating options.

Seating Capacity

Finally, the seating capacity of a soccer stadium is an important consideration. A good stadium should be large enough to accommodate a significant number of fans, but not so large that it feels empty or lacks atmosphere.

The ideal seating capacity will vary depending on the location and level of play, but a good rule of thumb is to aim for a stadium that can accommodate at least 20,000 fans. This will ensure that there are enough seats to meet demand, while still creating a lively and energetic atmosphere on match day.

We live about 1 1/2 hours from Gillette Stadium, the home of the New England Revolution. With a capacity of 65,878, the stadium can feel ’empty’. But, during American football games, the place is packed. Here’s a photo of a game a few years ago that we went to…

History of Soccer Stadiums in the U.S.

Soccer has a long history in the United States, dating back to the late 19th century. However, the sport struggled to gain popularity in the country until the 1970s. The North American Soccer League (NASL) was formed in 1968 and helped to bring attention to the sport. As a result, new soccer stadiums were built across the country.

The first soccer-specific stadium in the United States was built in 1976. The Tampa Bay Rowdies played in Tampa Stadium, which was converted into a soccer stadium for the team’s use. Other teams followed suit, and by the 1980s, several soccer-specific stadiums had been built across the country.

In the 1990s, Major League Soccer (MLS) was formed, and the league made it a priority to build soccer-specific stadiums. The Columbus Crew was the first team to build a soccer-specific stadium in 1999. The league’s emphasis on building soccer-specific stadiums has helped to improve the quality of the game in the United States.

Today, there are many soccer-specific stadiums across the country, with more being built every year. These stadiums are designed specifically for soccer and provide a better experience for fans and players. Many of these stadiums are also used for other events, such as concerts and other sporting events.

The history of soccer stadiums in the United States is one of growth and progress. The sport has come a long way since its early days, and the construction of soccer-specific stadiums has helped to improve the quality of the game.

With more stadiums being built every year, the future of soccer in the United States looks bright.

Future of Soccer Stadiums in the U.S.

The future of soccer stadiums in the U.S. is looking bright. With the growing popularity of soccer in the country, there is a need for more and better stadiums to accommodate the increasing number of fans. Here are some trends that are expected to shape the future of soccer stadiums in the U.S.

Smaller Arenas

One trend that is emerging in the design of soccer stadiums is the move towards smaller, more intimate arenas. This is in contrast to the large, multi-purpose stadiums that were built in the past.

The idea is to create a more intimate atmosphere that allows fans to feel closer to the action on the field. Smaller stadiums also have the advantage of being more cost-effective to build and maintain.

I love this concept and I think it will prove to work within the American soccer scene.

More Technology

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the design of soccer stadiums. From high-tech video screens to advanced sound systems, stadiums are using technology to enhance the fan experience.

For example, some stadiums are now using augmented reality to provide fans with interactive experiences during games.

Other stadiums are using advanced analytics to track player performance and provide real-time data to coaches and fans.

Greener Stadiums

As environmental concerns become more pressing, stadiums are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

This means using sustainable materials in the construction of stadiums, as well as implementing energy-efficient systems to reduce energy consumption.

Some stadiums are even using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to generate electricity.

U.S. Stadiums Compared to European Stadiums

In Europe, soccer stadiums are often grand, historic, and iconic structures that have been around for decades, if not centuries. In contrast, many soccer stadiums in the United States are relatively new and lack the same level of history and tradition.

Here are several pics of stadiums from our recent trip to England. The first one is Liverpool’s stadium and the second is Manchester United. They are both iconic stadiums in the Premier League.

One key difference between European and American soccer stadiums is their size. European soccer stadiums tend to be smaller and more intimate, with capacities ranging from a few thousand to around 80,000.

In contrast, many American soccer stadiums are much larger, with capacities of 50,000 or more. This is partly due to the fact that American sports fans are used to larger stadiums for other sports like football and baseball.

Another difference is the atmosphere inside the stadium. European soccer stadiums are known for their passionate and boisterous fans, who create an electric atmosphere that can be felt throughout the match. There is lots of chanting and singing throughout the game!

In many cases, European soccer stadiums are designed to amplify the noise and energy generated by the fans.

In contrast, American soccer stadiums often feel more subdued and quiet, with less emphasis on creating a raucous atmosphere.

In terms of amenities and technology, American soccer stadiums tend to be more modern and advanced than their European counterparts.

Many American soccer stadiums feature state-of-the-art video screens, high-tech sound systems, and other cutting-edge technology that enhances the fan experience.

European soccer stadiums, on the other hand, often prioritize history and tradition over modern amenities.

Overall, comparing European and American soccer stadiums is difficult because they are so different in terms of history, culture, and design. However, both have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and both offer fans a memorable and exciting experience.

Final Thoughts

There are many great soccer stadiums in the United States. Each stadium has its unique features and characteristics that make it stand out from the rest.

I hope that you get a chance to visit some of the stadiums above and enjoy the beautiful game of soccer.

I’m hopeful that MLS continues to grow its fan base and the games have as much energy as other countries.