MLS Stadia Porno

Yes, this is fine for youth eyes.  But if you're like me...wait, that came out wrong.  Anyway.  The years 2009-2012 are going to be HUGE for Major League Soccer and soccer specific stadiums.  The most recent is the announcing that Kansas City's new stadium (rendering above), has been approved and groundbreaking has begun.  No, its no Home Depot Center or Red Bull Arena, but its a SSS nonetheless.  And a pretty attractive one at that.  The new 18,500 capacity stadium is set to be completed for opening in 2011.  Kansas City's current confines have them playing at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, which only holds some 10,000 for soccer matches.  So, not only will Kansas City enjoy a gain in revenue, but the fans of the Wizards can finally have a stadium suitable for soccer (prior to their stint at CAB, they played home matches at the cavernous Arrowhead Stadium).

So, on to the one that has everyone talking...Red Bull Arena.  Simply put, its gorgeous, and will definitely rival the Home Depot Center in terms of being the best soccer specific stadium in the United States.  It's capacity, currently at 25,189, will be second only to the HDC.  Slated to open for business on March 20 for a friendly against Brazilian power Santos (possible Pele appearance?), will NYRB be able to match their awesome new stadium with their on-pitch performance under new head man Hans Becke?  Only time will tell.  Until then, enjoy this money-shot.

Another new stadium comes with MLS's newest team, the Philadelphia Union.  Chester Stadium is on schedule to be completed mid-season in 2010.  I for one am most excited about the opening of this stadium.  Sure, its not as big or stunning as the previously mentioned Red Bull Arena, but what makes it more appealing is the fans.  With NYRB suffering mightily the last couple of seasons, I don't expect the atmosphere to match opening day at Chester Field.  The Sons of Ben are one of the most vocal supporters clubs in MLS and will make sure that the entire 18,500 in attendance enjoy themselves.  Philly is also building a very formidable team, giving patrons all the more reason to make the 15 minute trip from downtown to Chester.  Nice location right on the river as well.

 

Even the San Jose Earthquakes are getting in on the action.   After struggling through all the politics and money talk that happens, the latest plan to get the Earthquakes into a soccer specific stadium is pushing forward.  The latest renderings have a Euro-style, three-sided stadium with an open grass berm at one end.  It features 15,000 permanent seats and is expandable to 18,000.  Yes, its not very big, but a SSS in the end, and its nothing less than San Jose and its fans deserve.

How about the the two up-and-coming teams to MLS.  Portland and Vancouver will both feature soccer specific stadiums when they begin play in 2011, Portland at a renovated PGE park and Vancouver at Empire Field, then moving to BC Place, then moving to their new waterfront stadium (DC United, New England, and Houston all need to call these guys for some stadium funds).  Three soccer specific stadiums, either being completely built or renovated for the Whitecaps.  Wow.  But first Portland.  The Pacific Northwest Triad (Seattle, Portland, Vancouver) is going to be the show of MLS for years to come.  Portland boasts fans much like Seattle, which is why I fully expect PGE park to be rockin for every home match, not to mention the matches against rivals Seattle and Vancouver.  With a total capacity set at around 22,000, PGE will add another chapter to MLS as far as fervent support goes.  Here's the best rendering I could find.

Just so no one gets jealous, we'll feature the stadium that Vancouver will eventually end up in, the Waterfront Stadium.  It will feature 20,000 permanent seats and is a fine home for the second Canadian club in MLS.  Along with the fans, this is again, another fine addition to MLS.

Ok, now that we're all done drooling.  How about the odd guys out?  This includes Houston, New England, and DC United.  We'll start with Houston, who only exist simply because they couldn't get a stadium plan going during the clubs time in San Jose, but we have news and rendering as recent as a couple days ago.  So Dynamo fans rejoice because it is coming sooner rather than later.  Here's what we know, the planned opening (should everything go ahead) is 2012 (nice).  The planned capacity is around 21,000-22,000, and won't have horrible sight-lines or football lines on it.  Here's a pic:

Now, DC United and New England fans....nothing to report unfortunately.  Two teams that have been around since the leagues inception and both are confined to stadiums that are way too big or way too old.  DC United are even being tempted by Baltimore's mayor to come and build a stadium there.  I can't imagine DC locals would be pleased if that's the direction that the club takes.  I can recall a couple years ago with the Poplar Point proposal (try saying that five times fast) and the plans for a 27,000 capacity stadium (sigh).  As for New England, I haven't heard anything on the stadium front in over a year and it's probably going to stay that way.

So, in conclusion, well done Major League Soccer and all the clubs who are pushing these through.  I cannot wait until ALL clubs have their own stadium to call home.  The fans certainly deserve it and MLS certainly needs it.