background picture

football stadium digest

About the Publisher

-----

Contact Information

Email Address-----
Company Phone-----
Address-----

Socials

Facebook-----
Instagram-----
LinkedIn-----

Filters

By Country

11

articles found

View by
Don’T Look For Work On New Chicago Bears Stadium This Year
football stadium digest
Don’T Look For Work On New Chicago Bears Stadium This YearDon’t look for a finalized plan for a new Chicago Bears stadium in 2025, as the team is facing multiple challenges on the financing front as well as community issues with the proposed location next to Soldier Field. The Bears have been analyzing the stadium issue for years and years, with opening discussions occurring well before 2020’s COVID crisis. Along the way we’ve seen plenty of proposals, including a dome built over Soldier Field as well as proposed locations at the former Arlington International Racetrack (still a contender, apparently, after the city and the team came to an agreement on property tax rates) as well as Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. The current proposal for a new Chicago Bears stadium calls for a new fixed-roof facility built next to Soldier Field, which would be torn down in favor of 14 acres of athletic fields and recreational park space. The modern design from Manica would feature a translucent roof combined with a climate-controlled interior and an open view to the breathtaking downtown Chicago timeline. According to the team, the plan features a three-acre promenade and plaza area that could include year-round food and beverage outlets, retail shops, a cultural attraction focused on sports and Soldier Field history.  A publicly owned hotel could also be included on the recreation and cultural campus. All in all, 70 acres of public parkland would be diverted to the stadium site, with Soldier Field torn down, with Super Bowls and NCAA Final Fours on the agenda. The Bears say they’ll bear the majority of the cost of a new $5-billion stadium and are asking the state for $1.5-billion in public infrastructure spending. But Lee Bey, architecture columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, doesn’t see much progress on the project during the 2025 Illinois legislative session: “It’s a bad idea all around. Who, besides the Bears, wants to see public money thrown around like that, especially in these economically lean times for state and local government?” And, inevitably, Chicago lakeshore advocates and the influential Friends of the Parks aren’t thrilled by a football stadium taking up valuable real estate in a congested area. Soldier Field is part of a civic campus that’s mostly occupied by public amenities like the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. The Bears share Soldier Field with MLS’s Chicago Fire, and a Bears game day represents huge issues for museum attendees (i.e., lots of families and tourists); the parking ramps and street parking are taken over by Bears fans, leading to some huge traffic jams in the area. “The Bears have been proud to call Chicago home for more than 100 years,” said Bears chairman George McCaskey in a press release. “Perhaps no other sports team embodies the character of the city it represents better than the Bears and Chicago. Our founder, George Halas, emphasized the importance of being a champion for Chicago. This has been part of the foundation of our organization. That is why we are excited to invest in the greatest city in the world through a stadium project and site improvements that will benefit Chicagoans and visitors.” Of course, Halas never embraced Soldier Field: the Bears moved there in 1971 only after the NFL mandated teams play in a stadium holding more than 50,000. (Wrigley Field, the team’s home since the move to Chicago for the 1921 season after playing 1920 as the Decatur Staleys, did not meet the NFL’s new facility guidelines after the NFL-AFL merger.) Soldier Field opened in 1924 as a huge civic facility, able to host over 100,000 fans and featuring a slew of events, including track and field, Chicago Cardinals football and large gatherings of all sorts. We’re not entirely sure Chicagoans want to see such an important part of the city’s history torn down to make way for a new Chicago Bears stadium. RELATED STORIES: Bears sign Arlington Park purchase agreement for new stadium, development; Bears eye Arlington Heights for new stadium site Renderings courtesy Chicago Bears.
stadium
Jan 12, 2025
New Union Omaha Stadium To Anchor Downtown Development
football stadium digest
New Union Omaha Stadium To Anchor Downtown DevelopmentA new Union Omaha stadium is set to anchor a $300-million, 18-acre downtown mixed-use project along Abbott Drive, with an opening planned for the 2026 USL League One season. The club is owned by Alliance Sports, which also owns and operates MiLB’s Omaha Storm Chasers; the home of the Storm Chasers, Werner Park, also currently serves as home to Union Omaha. The new 7,000-seat stadium carries a hard cost of $60 million, with construction planned to start in the fall of 2024. The mixed-use project is also slated to feature approximately 330 residential units, comprising a mix of apartments and townhomes; a retail component of around 100,000 square feet featuring shopping and restaurants; and a 140-key hotel. An economic impact study conducted in 2021 projected the stadium would have a $99 million impact on the State of Nebraska and $168 Million to the City of Omaha from the stadium alone. The surrounding development is expected to further contribute with a projected $200 million impact and the creation of 450 new jobs. “This district will help add to the exciting development already happening in downtown Omaha,” said Gary Green, co-founder of Alliance Sports, via press release. “It falls in line with the Chamber’s Urban Core Strategic Plan for bringing economic development and jobs to the heart of the city and we are very excited to see it moving forward.” There are still some details to fill in any funding plan for a new Union Omaha stadium. At a press conference announcing the facility, Green said Alliance Sports will be seeking $25 million in financial support for the stadium from the Nebraska Legislature. In addition, a TIF district could also be part of the funding plan. “This project will move professional soccer forward in Omaha and across the state,” said Martie Cordaro, Union Omaha President, via press release. “We anticipate 150 to 200 events a year will take place in the district including 20+ Union Omaha pro soccer matches, 15+ women’s team soccer matches, 20+ high school/college soccer matches, and 100+ community events for everyone to enjoy.” Renderings courtesy Union Omaha.
stadium
Jan 26, 2024
José Bautista Acquires Usl’S Las Vegas Lights
football stadium digest
José Bautista Acquires Usl’S Las Vegas LightsFormer MLB All-Star José Bautista is the new principal owner of USL Championship’s Las Vegas Lights FC, replacing former owner Bret Lashbrook as chairman and governor of the club ahead of the 2024 season kickoff. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed. “Las Vegas is the place to be and has emerged as a big professional sports town, and I will do everything I can to push this club forward,” José Bautista said via press release. “As a soccer fan and former professional athlete, I am excited to be involved with the world’s game, Since my retirement from professional baseball, I have witnessed the incredible growth of soccer in the United States, and I look forward to sharing my love of sports with the Las Vegas soccer community.” Over a 15-year career in Major League Baseball, Bautista notched 344 career home runs and played for eight clubs, most notably the Toronto Blue Jays. He was named an MLB All-Star six years in a row from 2010-15 and twice led the majors in home runs, in 2010 and 2011, the same years he won the Hank Aaron Award. Since his retirement from professional baseball, Bautista has established himself as an investor, board member, philanthropist and entrepreneur, including partnerships with significant brands, including Audi, Hublot, Coca-Cola, TD Bank, Fanatics, General Mills, The Players Tribune, Silver Jeans, Booster Juice (Canada), Pizza Pizza (Canada) and New Balance. José Bautista was an early equity partner, lead investor, and board member for Marucci Sports, a baseball equipment startup that was sold to Compass Diversified Holdings in 2020. Additional business interests include stakes in Canada Goose, which went public in 2017, and Endy Sleep, which was acquired by Sleep Country in 2018, and currently serves as a Partner and Senior Advisor to Aquilance, an household financial management firm that assists successful individuals, entrepreneurs and families to make better-informed financial decisions and save time on administrative tasks. “Throughout my playing career, I recognized the importance of giving back in meaningful, intentional ways,” Bautista said. “Likewise, as an owner, I am committed to having a real impact on the local community and fostering a deep connection with the people of Las Vegas.” Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Bautista represented his home country at the 2020 Summer Olympics (delayed until 2021 due to COVID-19) in Tokyo, Japan. His leadership helped the D.R. earn a bronze medal, punctuated by a walk-off hit and his signature bat flip that sealed the win over Israel to secure the team’s place in the semifinals. “José’s vision and values align perfectly with our league’s ambitions and the positive impact our clubs are having in their local communities,” said USL Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Officer Justin Papadakis via press release. “José is the latest in a recent series of world-class athletes to invest in USL clubs, a clear indication of our league’s increased prominence in the professional sports industry and the real value proposition of investing in soccer today. The game is growing rapidly in the United States, and our clubs are bringing high-level professional soccer to communities across the country, providing long-term economic development and creating positive social impact every day.” Lights FC debuted in the USL Championship in 2018 and plays at Cashman Field in downtown Las Vegas, the former home of Triple-A baseball in Vegas. Whether that former ballpark remains home of pro soccer remains to be seen. “José brings a competitive athlete’s mindset to everything he does, and he will certainly bring new expectations for the club’s performance, on and off the field,” said USL President Paul McDonough via press release. “Jose’s vision for the sporting side is ambitious, including the acquisition of international players and the forming of an academy. We will support Jose during this transition period and look forward to seeing Lights FC shine brighter than ever in Vegas.”
stadium
Jan 16, 2024
Okc Pitches Higher Budget, New Location For New Energy Fc Stadium
football stadium digest
Okc Pitches Higher Budget, New Location For New Energy Fc StadiumPlanning for a new Energy FC stadium has shifted to a new location, as the proposed budget has increased and the team is now looking at a site in Lower Bricktown that will allow for a larger budget featuring new TIF money. Energy FC is on hiatus: the pitch at the team’s former home, Taft Stadium, has been deemed too small and not meeting USL Championship specs. The 8,000-seat MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium–called that because the stadium will be partly funded via the voter-approved MAPS 4 funding plan, based on a temporary penny sales tax used to fund a variety of city projects–will be located at the old Producers Cooperative Oil Mill site, south of Oklahoma City Boulevard and east of the BNSF railway viaduct, in the Lower Bricktown area of Oklahoma City east of the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Team owners Bob Funk Jr. and Tim McLaughlin have a contract to buy the nine-acre site and plan on donating 7.2 acres to the city for the stadium. The remaining land is envisioned as a mixed-use development including residential, commercial, retail and dining options in a walkable district. The new Energy FC stadium began with a $41 million budget in MAPS funds, but the TIF review committee tomorrow will consider a proposal to rise the budget to $71 million with the addition of $30 million in TIF funds. That raise is pitched by the team and the city to covered increased costs for the project, which was initially budgeted in 2019. Still to come: review from the Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust on Jan. 5 and City Council on Jan. 16. The stadium design includes a United States Soccer Federation (USSF)-approved pitch, seating for approximately 8,000 guests, locker rooms and suites. The venue, planned for a 2027 opening, will be the city’s only stadium with a USSF-approved pitch to accommodate professional men’s and women’s soccer. 2019 rendering of new stadium courtesy Energy FC. RELATED STORIES: OKC Energy FC suspends play for 2022; Best of 2019, #6: New OKC Energy Stadium Advances; MAPS 4 Approval Moves Proposed OKC Energy Stadium Forward; MAPS 4 Proposal with OKC Energy Stadium Funds Moves Forward; Proposed MAPS 4 Initiative Includes OKC Energy Stadium Funding; Proposed Outdoor Stadium Would Host OKC Energy; New OKC Energy Stadium Plan Unveiled
stadium
Jan 03, 2024
U.S. Soccer Federation, Mls Tussle Over U.S. Open Cup
football stadium digest
U.S. Soccer Federation, Mls Tussle Over U.S. Open CupIt is a battle for the heart of American soccer, as the U.S. Soccer Federation has denied a request from MLS to withdraw the participation of top-level clubs in U.S. Open Cup play and instead have the league represented by MLS NEXT Pro developmental squads. The U.S. Open Cup dates back to the 1913-1914 season and stands as the country’s oldest soccer competition. It encompasses every level of American soccer, from the professional top-two levels to the third division semipro teams and other amateur squads. It is unique that while MLS teams dominate the action, you will occasionally see an upset of an MLS squad–even one with a roster mostly filled by developmental youngsters–by a Division III team. In 2022, for example, Union Omaha became the first USL League One team to defeat two MLS sides, Chicago Fire and Minnesota United, on their home fields in a single competition. Last week MLS announced that it would not be sending Division I squads to the competition, saying that it would be represented by Division III squads from MLS NEXT Pro. Not so fast, said USSF officials: no waiver allowing this substitution was granted (though a request was made), and the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup would run as planned.  In response, MLS issued the following: Major League Soccer recently proposed to U.S. Soccer a plan for MLS NEXT Pro teams to represent the League in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. MLS took that step because it believes that there are several essential goals and concerns that must be addressed in connection with the tournament, including developing young professional players and providing them with greater opportunity to play before fans in meaningful competition in a tournament setting, prioritizing player health and safety, reducing schedule congestion for MLS clubs, and enhanced investment from U.S. Soccer. United Soccer League, which is a heavy participant in U.S. Open Cup competition, representing 46 of the 99 teams across various divisions in 2024, said in a statement: “We stand with fans across the country who want to see it remain an authentic and inclusive competition.” On the one hand, it’s easy to see why MLS teams would not want to bother with the competition: the scheduling can be a little disruptive, matches never draw as well as those played in the regular-season schedule, and with the stakes regarded as relatively low, team stars frequently sit them out. It’s a no-win situation;. And it’s easy to see why United Soccer League teams want to see the present format maintained: where else will you see a USL League One team participate against and defeat an MLS team? It’s all gravy.  So, for now, we’ll have a normal 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition. Beyond that, everything may be up in the air, as we don’t foresee MLS letting this drop. This article originally appeared in the Soccer Stadium Digest newsletter. Are you a subscriber? Sign up here!
stadium
Dec 20, 2023
Allianz Field Development Relaunched
football stadium digest
Allianz Field Development RelaunchedThis probably took a lot longer than anyone anticipated or desired, but the long-awaited Allianz Field redevelopment at the home of Minnesota United FC (MLS) is finally happening–and it’s punctuated by a three-story loon sculpture. The sculpture and a one-acre public park are part of the next phase of the United Village development at Snelling and University avenues in St. Paul, a 35-acre site that the contains Allianz Field as well as the remnants of the Midway Shopping Center. When Allianz Field opened in 2019, it was as much a development play as a sports-venue play for both the city of St. Paul and the Minnesota United FC ownership. The COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd riots obviously impacted the proceedings. Now, however, the development and site work is underway. The announcement of the 33 feet high, 88 feet wide loon sculpture from the internationally renowned Andy Scott will serve as a live punctuation point to the new park, compared by Minnesota United FC to the lovely Gold Medal Park next to the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis’s Downtown East area. (He should know; he was a driving force behind the creation of Gold Medal Park as well.) A description from Minnesota United FC: The sculpture will sit in a public park designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Populous, who also designed Allianz Field, the centerpiece of United Village. The new sculpture will form a cornerstone of the next phase of the United Village development that will also include a unique all-abilities children’s play area, a distinctive hotel designed to reflect the Midway area and its history, two pavilion restaurants overlooking an existing “Great Lawn”, a sustainable mixed-use building that includes offices and a community social area, and extensive landscaping. Other public artworks in the development include two outdoor sculptures – the iconic UNITED sculpture that sits at the southwest corner of Allianz Field, and OMNIS by widely acclaimed American artist James Sanborn. Additional public art installations are contemplated for the development. And while the loon and the park are great additions to the Midway, the biggest news is that they are part of $160 million of investment into the first phase of United Village development, which will include a new hotel, an office building and two restaurants. Additional phases will include housing. We’ve seen pockets of development near the stadium–there are plenty of new apartments to the west of Allianz Field, and across the free there’s been plenty of new construction and rehabbed buildings at the corner of Snelling and Selby avenues. Still, there’s plenty more work to do on the economic front in the stadium area. Rendering courtesy Snelling-Midway Redevelopment Group. RELATED STORIES: Allianz Field development moves forward; Allianz Field: A State-of-the-Art Venue; Allianz Field Unveiled by Minnesota United FC
stadium
Dec 19, 2023
2024 Usl Championship, League One Lineups Announced
football stadium digest
2024 Usl Championship, League One Lineups AnnouncedThe final lineups for 2024 USL Championship and USL League One play have been released with schedules, as both circuits will launch March 9 and finish the season on October 26. The 2024 USL Championship lineup remains at 24 teams, with two 2023 squads dropping out and replaced by new and repeat entrants. Expansion side Rhode Island FC embarks on its inaugural season as a club, while North Carolina FC returns to USL Championship after exercising its option to move up from USL League One, where the club played three seasons. The two 2023 squads dropping out: San Diego Loyal — a move announced in August — and Rio Grande Valley FC, as owner Golden Grape Entertainment announced the decision to cease all soccer and business operations effective immediately. The team launched in 2016. “A conclusive decision was reached to cease all operations after eight seasons of professional soccer competition in the United Soccer League. Naturally, decisions of this caliber are carefully considered and are extremely difficult to make as they affect multiple individuals, both internally and externally,” said Golden Grape Entertainment President Hondo Candelaria via press release. The Toros launched as a development team for MLS club Houston Dynamo FC. It’s been reported that the city of Edinburg is buying RGV’s home stadium, H-E-B Park, and then flipping it to the University of Texas System and transitioning the 9,700-seat stadium as the future home for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley football team. Each team will play 34 matches in the quest for spots in the 2024 payoffs. The full 408-game regular season unfolds over 34 weeks and concludes on Oct. 26. To maintain two 12-team conferences, Memphis 901 FC and FC Tulsa will move to the Western Conference for 2024.  On the USL League One side, fans will enjoy the first balanced regular season schedule in its history. The league’s sixth campaign will also feature an in-season cup competition and an expanded postseason. Including regular season, cup competition and postseason matches, the 2024 campaign will feature 190 total matches spanning 36 weeks.  There will be 12 teams in the USL League One lineup, with Spokane Velocity FC replacing North Carolina FC. Graphic courtesy USL Championship.
stadium
Dec 19, 2023
Nycfc Unveils Plans For First Fully Electric Stadium In Mls, Nyc
football stadium digest
Nycfc Unveils Plans For First Fully Electric Stadium In Mls, NycNew York City Football Club (NYCFC) announced plans for the first fully electric stadium in MLS, in addition to being the first fully electric professional sports stadium in New York City, as the team updated a Queens community board on the proposed Willets Point facility. The update on the 25,000-seat stadium and the plan to build the first fully electric stadium came as the Willets Point Phase 2 project, which includes the stadium and associated development, formally enters the Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP). That project, which we covered here, includes the NYCFC MLS stadium set for a 2027 opening, a total of 2,500 units of affordable housing at the site, as well as a 650-seat public school, 40,000 square feet of new public open space, retail space and a 250-key hotel, all next to Citi Field, home of the New York Mets.  As part of NYCFC’s sustainability plan, the design and building of the stadium will focus on the following, according to NYCFC: Renewable EnergyThe stadium will be all-electric, with an array of solar panels installed on the stadium roof, which will maximize energy generation. Built-in efficiency will ensure that intelligent systems eliminate energy waste. An emergency backup generator will be provided and only operate during a utility power outage or when code required testing is performed. Efficient Water SystemsA water harvesting system below the stadium field will capture rainwater and re-use this for irrigation. Water efficient systems, including dry urinals, proximity-controlled taps and reduced water mix taps and shower heads will help to reduce unnecessary consumption.  MaterialsMaterials, fixtures and fittings for the stadium will wherever possible be locally sourced to avoid substantial transportation impact on the environment. Furthermore, the Club is focused on construction that will promote efficient insulation and natural venting.  Public TransportationTo reduce environmental impact, the Willets Point stadium project is committed to delivering effective means to reach the stadium through public transportation. NYCFC is building on its relationship with MTA that started nearly a decade ago to continue to ensure accessible and affordable public transport options. Additionally, the Club will work closely with supporters groups, fans and local community groups to maximize the benefits of local public commuting, to discourage driving to matches and therefore reducing congestion and pollution. Waste Reduction, Reuse and RecyclingThe Club is committed to reducing all waste at source. Fans will have easy access to drinking water refills throughout the stadium. The stadium will explore options for on-site composting of waste for local benefit. The Club is committed to reducing waste that goes to landfill.  Through the stadium project, the Club will work proactively with suppliers to ensure that there is a supply chain approach to its sustainability agenda, often working with small, local suppliers to improve and uplift their own related sustainability agendas, therefore improving the local community further.  Emissions MeasurementNYCFC is measuring all actions and emissions authentically and transparently, in line with national and local regulations. As part of the stadium project, the Club is focused on reducing CO2 emissions and working for credible net zero by 2040. The Club will also establish its year one benchmark with the aim to achieve continual reductions of at least 12% each year in its operations and events. ComplianceNYCFC will ensure that there is full compliance and alignment with all local laws and regulations in relation to sustainability. Those include meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as City Football Group’s global sustainability agenda. The Club will continue to review and develop the sustainability plan for the stadium project so that it creates the best opportunities, remains viable and locally relevant.  “I’m proud that New York City will be home to the first fully electric sports stadium in Major League Soccer,” said Mayor Eric Adams via press release. “It’s imperative that we continue our shift to a more sustainable and resilient future, helping New York to better prepare for a changing climate. As a city, we’re reshaping our relationship with energy: how we generate, store and use it. New York City Football Club’s stadium will serve as a model for that goal. New York City has taken significant steps to become more sustainable, resilient and equitable, and this proposed stadium encompasses those commitments.” “New York City Football Club is proud to release details of what would be a historic first-ever fully electric professional sports stadium for both MLS and New York City,” said NYCFC CEO Brad Sims via press release. “Sustainability is at the heart of this project and we’re focused on ensuring that the Club is leading the way when it comes to reducing environmental impact. We’re committed to building a stadium that serves as a model for projects in the future. Through renewable energy, the use of efficient materials, waste reduction and effective compliance, we’re excited to deliver a sustainable home for the Cluband local community for decades to come.” RELATED STORIES: Updated renderings released for new NYCFC stadium; New NYCFC stadium design, construction firms announced; NYC Mayor Adams unveils NYCFC MLS stadium plan; Reports: NYCFC, NYC close to deal on new Flushing Meadows stadium; Poll: South Bronx Residents Favor Potential NYCFC Stadium; Bronx Reportedly in the Mix for New NYCFC Stadium; Club President: NYCFC is Still Searching for Stadium Site; Garber: NYCFC Continues to Search New York City for New Stadium; Report: NYCFC Stadium Pitched for Harlem River Yards Development
stadium
Nov 29, 2023
New Milwaukee Usl Championship Stadium Aims For 2026 Opening
football stadium digest
New Milwaukee Usl Championship Stadium Aims For 2026 OpeningThe planned new downtown Milwaukee USL Championship stadium is now envisioned as opening in 2026, as site development is already underway and the team is embarking on finalizing branding. UPDATED! We reported in October that the end of the year would be a crucial time for the project plans to be finalized, and since then the news has been good. The $220 million sports/entertainment complex, the Iron District, was announced with an 8,000-seat stadium for USL soccer, a full-service hotel, multi-family residential housing, retail, and food and beverage elements. Besides men’s pro soccer in the form of USL Championship soccer, the stadium will host Marquette men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse teams, as well as other events. The Iron District MKE sports/entertainment district is located at an 11-acre site parcel purchased from Marquette University. The parcel, to be master developed by Kenosha-based Bear Development, is bordered by North Sixth Street to the east, Michigan Street to the north, and the 794/I-43 interchange to the east and south. (Think kitty-corner from downtown’s Hilton Milwaukee, a very visible landmark.)  Since those original plans were unveiled, construction work on the residential housing on the site has proceeded and the Milwaukee USL Championship stadium construction received a $9.3-million grant from the state. The funding was part of a $36-million funding package announced by Gov. Tony Evers utilizing federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds. The original plan was to launch in 2025, but delays in construction–which should begin in spring 2024– and obtaining state funding likely means we’re likely looking at a 2026 opening for the stadium, according to team officials. (UPDATE: Confirmed.) A two-year turnaround on an 8,000-seat stadium isn’t unusual. Meanwhile, after seeking community suggestions for team branding, Milwaukee Pro Soccer announced ten finalists and a partnership with Milwaukee marketing agency Cramer-Krasselt to create the future USL Championship franchise’s name, crest and brand identity. The finalists: Milwaukee Tall Boys, Milwaukee Barons, Goodland, Milwaukee Brigade, Lake Effect, Fresh Coast, Milwaukee Iron, Cream City, 1846 Milwaukee and Milwaukee Industrial. UPDATE: After our story was posted, Milwaukee Pro Soccer announced an official 2026 opening date for the stadium. “As the highest level of pro soccer in the state of Wisconsin, we know we only have one opening day, and we want to make sure we get that product, that fan experience, and our facilities right,” said Conor Caloia, Milwaukee Pro Soccer’s Chief Operating Officer, via press release. “The stadium and experience we will bring will be worth the wait. We’re excited for a successful kickoff season in 2026.” RELATED STORIES: Next 90 days key for new Milwaukee USL Championship stadium; State funding stalled for new Milwaukee soccer stadium; USL Championship Milwaukee team for 2025 unveiled; New Milwaukee soccer stadium pitched as part of entertainment complex
stadium
Nov 29, 2023
Usl Lands Cbs Sports Multiyear Broadcast Deal
football stadium digest
Usl Lands Cbs Sports Multiyear Broadcast DealWe’ll see plenty of USL soccer on the CBS Sports networks, as USL Championship and USL League One matches are set for broadcast on the CBS Television Network, Paramount+, CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network through the 2027 season. CBS Sports will broadcast select USL matches, including the USL Championship Final, on the CBS Television Network–the first time USL competition will be featured on network television in league history. Matches on the CBS Television Network will also simulcast live on Paramount+. CBS Sports will also televise more than 20 USL matches on CBS Sports Network annually and 75 USL matches each season on CBS Sports Golazo Network, the 24/7 soccer streaming network available across multiple platforms, including Paramount+. “CBS Sports has become a destination for soccer fans in America, and we are thrilled to bring to their platforms the unique soccer experience that only the USL provides,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis via press release. “This partnership is a clear indication of the USL’s growth and impact on domestic soccer, providing us with more national TV exposure and platforms to tell stories about our players, clubs, and fans than ever before. We are entering a new, exciting phase, both on and off the field, and we look forward to working with CBS Sports over the next four years to take our leagues and our game to new heights.” “The United Soccer League–with its expansive and growing presence across the country–is an excellent addition to CBS Sports’ premium soccer portfolio,” said Dan Weinberg, Executive Vice President, Programming, CBS Sports, via press release. “We look forward to making the exciting action of the USL more easily available to fans than ever before and elevating the league with coverage across our CBS Sports platforms. With the USL’s addition to our wide array of soccer properties and robust year-round match coverage, CBS Sports continues to be the premier destination for soccer fans in this country.” In addition to live matches, CBS Sports Golazo Network will provide analysis and commentary of USL competition throughout its live studio programming. The first-of-its-kind free, 24-hour soccer streaming network in the U.S. offers fans unparalleled coverage of all the top domestic and international soccer competitions. The network is available on connected TV and mobile devices through Paramount+, the CBS Sports App and Pluto TV, and on CBSSports.com. The USL retained media sales consultancy Octagon to manage the negotiations with CBS on this agreement.
stadium
Nov 07, 2023
New For 2024: Cpkc Stadium
football stadium digest
New For 2024: Cpkc StadiumWe have a naming-rights deal and some more information about the first purpose-built pro women’s soccer stadium in the world, as NWSL’s KC Current announced branding of CPKC Stadium under a 10-year agreement. CPKC, which has its U.S. corporate headquarters in Kansas City, was created with the combination of two historic railways–Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS). The two companies combined on April 14, 2023 to form the first North American rail network connecting Canada, the United States and Mexico.   “As we embarked on finding the perfect naming rights partner, it was always about finding an organization where our values and vision align. CPKC is that partner,” said KC Current co-founders and owners Angie and Chris Long via press statement. “Our organizations share a commitment to strive for excellence, invest heavily in our communities and raise the bar with global influence. We are extremely excited to work with CPKC on this historic agreement and know our partnership will create long-standing positive impact!”    “We are incredibly proud to sponsor the Kansas City Current and support this history-making project here in the city that is at the heart of our North American rail network,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO, via press statement. “CPKC has been a longtime champion of women’s sports and of investing in our communities. This stadium and this partnership with the Current will build on that legacy as together we write a new chapter here in Kansas City.”   The agreement covers the stadium as well as the outdoor gathering space at the entrance to the stadium, which will be called CPKC Plaza. The plaza will provide space to gather before stadium events which include KC Current matches, other sporting events, concerts, etc. CPKC Plaza will also house the permanent location of the Kansas City Current team store.   CPKC will also be involved in the Current’s community initiatives. In 2023, CPKC is helping to renovate the STEM Lab at East High School, a Title I school and the biggest high school in Kansas City, just four miles from the new stadium. More than 40 languages are spoken at East, representing students from 42 countries, and making it one of the most diverse schools in the metro area.  In addition, the Current announced the first restaurant to be featured in CPKC Stadium, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que was founded by Jeff & Joy Stehney in 1996. Their original restaurant, located in the gas station at the corner of 47th Avenue and Mission Road, in Kansas City, Kansas, has earned scores of local, regional, and national accolades for its food and service. In 2006, the Stehneys opened a second restaurant at 11950 Strang Line Road, in Olathe, Kansas, and in 2012, a third restaurant was opened at 11723 Roe Avenue, in Leawood, Kansas.  “Telling our local food story to the world, we are thrilled to feature Joe’s Kansas City BBQ at the KC Current stadium,” said Colby and Megan Garrelts, chef-partners for KC Current Stadium and owners of Rye, via press release. “Joe’s commitment to excellence will give soccer fans a sample of why Kansas City is the BBQ capital.”  “We are excited to serve Joe’s famous Z-man sandwich to fans of the Current,” said Joe’s VP Ryan Barrows via press release. “The KC Current team and ownership group are a first-class organization, and this is a proud moment for our brand to be included in the opening of this amazing stadium.”  At the in-stadium venue, Joe’s Kansas City Z-man sandwich will be available in both chicken and brisket with select side options. The brand will occupy a designated space in a prominent location on the northeast side of the stadium, accessible for all fans throughout KC Current matches.   “With Joe’s joining us at our world-changing stadium, we are ensuring our goal of staying authentic to Kansas City,” said KC Current President Allison Howard via press release. “This is the first of many unique KC food and beverage options that will be available to all our guests at our stadium that will shape an incredible all-senses experience for our fans on match days.” Renderings courtesy KC Current. This article first appeared in the free weekly Soccer Stadium Digest newsletter. Are you a subscriber? Sign up here! RELATED STORIES: New Kansas City Current stadium renderings posted; KC Current Pitch Club renderings unveiled; Kansas City Current name, crest debuted in season finale; Meet the project leads and designers behind new KC Current stadium; New KC Current stadium groundbreaking set for October; Team: New KC Current waterfront stadium should generate $60M in total spending; Allison Howard new KC Current president; New KC Current stadium price tag: $117 million
stadium
Oct 23, 2023