When it comes to soccer in the United States, Major League Soccer (MLS) boasts some of the best stadiums in the world.
From state-of-the-art facilities to electric atmospheres, the best MLS stadiums offer fans an unforgettable experience.
However there is still an eclectic mix of stadia in the MLS including purpose built Soccer stadiums as well as those which share Football and Baseball arenas.
City Park – St Louis City FC
| Home Team | St Louis FC |
| Year of Construction | 2022 |
| Capacity | 22,423 |
| Playing Surface | Grass |
City Park, home to St Louis City FC, is a gem among even the best MLS stadiums and can hold it’s own against stadiums in the Premier League, La Liga or Serie A.
Arguably it’s strongest feature is where it’s placed. Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, this stadium is easily accessible and surrounded by vibrant city life.
The playing field is 40 feet below street level meaning that from the outside the structure is less invasive and retains the noise much better.
The facilities are top-notch, featuring modern amenities, ample seating, and excellent sightlines from every angle.
With a capacity of 22,423, City Park creates an intimate yet energetic atmosphere thanks to the die hard supporters groups behind the North goal.
Groups include St Louligans, Fluer de Noise and The Thieves. Fans are known for their passionate support, making every game a thrilling experience.
BMO Stadium – Los Angeles FC
| Home Team | Los Angeles FC |
| Year of Opening | 2018 |
| Capacity | 22,000 |
| Playing Surface | Grass |
BMO Stadium, the home ground of Los Angeles FC, stands out as one of the most impressive in the league and one that wouldn’t look out of place in any of the top European leagues.
Situated in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, this stadium combines convenience with the stunning setting of downtown Los Angeles skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains.
With a capacity of 22,000, BMO Stadium is renowned for its electric atmosphere helped in part by some of the steepest seating and close proximity to the field.
The design of the stadium amplifies the noise, creating a fortress-like environment for visiting teams.
The 3252, LAFC’s supporters’ group based in the North End, are named after the number of seats in that section of the ground. They are regarded as being among the loudest and most passionate fan groups in the MLS.
The facilities at the BMO Stadium include 125,000 square feet of walkways and plazas open to the public, a significant amount of Electric Vehicle charging stations and a dedicated bike path leading to 440 bike parking spaces highlighting it’s green credentials.
TQL Stadium – FC Cincinnati
| Home Team | FC Cincinnati |
| Year of Opening | 2021 |
| Capacity | 26,000 |
| Playing Surface | Grass |
TQL Stadium, home to FC Cincinnati, is a modern marvel in the realm of the best MLS stadiums.
With a capacity of 26,000, TQL is one of the largest soccer specific stadiums in the MLS.
Located in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati, the stadium is easily accessible and surrounded by local attractions.
The facilities include spacious concourses, premium seating options, and state-of-the-art technology.
The Bailey, FC Cincinnati’s supporters’ section, is known for its passionate and energetic fans who create a formidable home-field advantage.
Fans at TQL Stadium enjoy a top-notch experience, with a wide range of food and drink options, comfortable seating, and interactive fan zones.
The field surface is natural grass, providing a premium playing surface for high-quality soccer.
Providence Park – Portland Timbers
| Home Team | Portland Timbers |
| Year of Opening | 1926 (As a complete stadium) |
| Capacity | 25,218 |
| Playing Surface | Artificial Turf |
Providence Park, home to the Portland Timbers, is one of the most iconic among the best MLS stadiums. It is in fact the oldest stadium to be used as a soccer specific facility in the MLS having been fully constructed in 1926.
The history of the stadium can be traced even further back, though the facilities were very basic between 1893 until 1926.
Located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, the stadium offers easy access to public transportation and local amenities.
The facilities are historic yet modern, featuring updated seating, luxury suites, and fan-friendly concourses.
With a capacity of 25,218, Providence Park is renowned for its incredible atmosphere. Tickets are very difficult to purchase and games are sold out way in advance.
The Timbers Army, Portland’s dedicated supporters’ group, brings unparalleled energy and passion to every match, creating an intimidating environment for opponents.
The average fan experience at Providence Park is exceptional, with a variety of food options, comfortable seating, and a lively pre-game atmosphere.
The field surface is artificial turf, designed to withstand the region’s rainy climate and ensure consistent playability.
Q2 Stadium – Austin FC
| Home Team | Austin FC |
| Year of Opening | 2021 |
| Capacity | 20,738 |
| Playing Surface | Grass |
Q2 Stadium, home to Austin FC, is a newcomer among the best MLS stadiums but has quickly made a name for itself.
Located in North Austin, Texas, the stadium is surrounded by industrial buildings and feels a little out of the way. However, it is well served by a dedicated rail service stopping at McKalla Station.
Inside, the facilities are cutting-edge, featuring a canopy to provide shade, modern amenities, and ample seating. The canopy style roofing makes the design more unique compared to other modern Soccer stadiums.
With a capacity of 20,738, Q2 Stadium offers an intimate yet energetic atmosphere.
The supporters’ section, known as the “Verde Wall,” brings a lively and passionate energy that drives the team forward.
The field surface is natural grass, providing an optimal playing surface for professional soccer.
Inter&Co Stadium – Orlando City
| Home Team | Orlando City SC |
| Year of Opening | 2017 |
| Capacity | 25,500 |
| Playing Surface | Grass |
Inter&Co Stadium, home to Orlando City, is a premier venue among the best MLS stadiums.
Located in downtown Orlando, Florida, the stadium is easily accessible and surrounded by local attractions.
The facilities include an open plaza where passers-by can see the field from street level. There is also a festival plaza outside the south end of the stadium, lined with palm trees.
With a capacity of 25,500, Inter&Co Stadium is one of the largest soccer specific stadiums in the MLS.
A 3,811 seating section at the north end is known as The Wall and is home to two vociferous supports groups – The Ruckus and the Iron Lion Firm
They bring a high level of energy and passion to every match, creating an exciting environment for fans and players alike.
The field surface is natural grass, maintained to the highest standards to ensure excellent playability.
Geodis Park – Nashville SC
| Home Team | Nashville SC |
| Year of Opening | 2022 |
| Capacity | 30,109 |
| Playing Surface | Grass |
Geodis Park, home to Nashville SC, is the largest soccer specific stadium in the US with a capacity of just over 30,000.
Located adjacent to the Nashville Speedway Stadium and on the site of the former Nashville fairgrounds land, the stadium is out of town but does offer plenty of car parking space.
As part of the deal to construct the stadium both the Speedway and Fairgrounds facilities were given a major upgrade.
The area is now vibrant, modern and boasts multiple plaza’s.
Inside Geodis Park the facilities include 6 lounges, 24 box suites and spacious concourses.
Nashville SC’s supporters, known as The Backline, create a passionate and supportive environment that drives the team’s performance.
Conclusion
The best MLS stadiums are equal to many found in the top European soccer leagues in terms of facilities and design.
The number of new stadiums being opened in recent years highlights the growing popularity of soccer in the US and the fact that most of these stadiums have been built specifically for soccer is fantastic.
Many of these stadiums are now regularly sold out which may mean that future developments will see stadium expansions and newer, bigger grounds being built.
FAQs
Who built GEODIS Park in Nashville?
GEODIS Park was built by Mortenson Messer, a US based builder in association with Pinaccle Construction and the Business Resource Group. The stadium was designed by Populous and a local firm, Hastings.
Why is Austin stadium called Q2?
Austin FC agreed a naming rights deal with local online bank provider Q2 in 2021 resulting in the stadium being called the Q2 Stadium.
Is Providence Park covered?
Providence Park in Portland is covered on all sides. The roof covers provide partial coverage, with the upper seats being well covered but the front ones not so. The newly renovated East Side provides the best coverage.