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| MLS stadiums ranked: why Orlando City's new home comes out on top | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The MLS commissioner, Don Garber, recently visited the new Orlando City stadium and hailed it as “a blueprint for the future.” That blueprint may not last for long, however, as a stream of new MLS franchises are rapidly queuing up to make it obsolete. | The MLS commissioner, Don Garber, recently visited the new Orlando City stadium and hailed it as “a blueprint for the future.” That blueprint may not last for long, however, as a stream of new MLS franchises are rapidly queuing up to make it obsolete. |
| The Orlando venue will be officially opened on Friday, but Atlanta, Minnesota, DC United and Los Angeles FC will all unveil their own stadiums in the next 12 months, and it marks a watershed in the development of American soccer, a high tide for soccer-specific arenas. | The Orlando venue will be officially opened on Friday, but Atlanta, Minnesota, DC United and Los Angeles FC will all unveil their own stadiums in the next 12 months, and it marks a watershed in the development of American soccer, a high tide for soccer-specific arenas. |
| Go back but 11 years, and onlyfour of the 12 teams played in a stadium specifically designed for their sport. This year, it will be 15 of the 22 teams and, in 2018, 18 of 23. | Go back but 11 years, and onlyfour of the 12 teams played in a stadium specifically designed for their sport. This year, it will be 15 of the 22 teams and, in 2018, 18 of 23. |
| Now, with 73% of teams committed to soccer-specific stadiums it raises the question: who has the best MLS venue? | Now, with 73% of teams committed to soccer-specific stadiums it raises the question: who has the best MLS venue? |
| We’ll do it on a points basis, with marks out of 30 for how enjoyable it is from the fan perspective, five bonus points for a soccer-specific venue and minus-five for having artificial turf. That means the highest possible score is 35, and the lowest -5. Let the countdown begin. | We’ll do it on a points basis, with marks out of 30 for how enjoyable it is from the fan perspective, five bonus points for a soccer-specific venue and minus-five for having artificial turf. That means the highest possible score is 35, and the lowest -5. Let the countdown begin. |
| 22) New England Revolution, Gillette Stadium | 22) New England Revolution, Gillette Stadium |
| Capacity 66,829 | Capacity 66,829 |
| Average attendance 2016 20,185 | Average attendance 2016 20,185 |
| The lowdown From the neutral perspective, there’s not too much to like about a team playing in a two-thirds empty football stadium on artificial turf that many players detest. With all the Patriots’ signage, you’d be forgiven for not realizing another team plays here. | The lowdown From the neutral perspective, there’s not too much to like about a team playing in a two-thirds empty football stadium on artificial turf that many players detest. With all the Patriots’ signage, you’d be forgiven for not realizing another team plays here. |
| Points (out of 25) 8 | Points (out of 25) 8 |
| 21) New York City FC, Yankee Stadium | 21) New York City FC, Yankee Stadium |
| Capacity 54,251 | Capacity 54,251 |
| Average attendance 2016 27,196 | Average attendance 2016 27,196 |
| The lowdown Fans have come out in consistently high numbers for the blue half of the city’s soccer fandom, but that doesn’t mask the baseball stadium’s weird configuration, absurdly narrow field and horribly patchy grass. | The lowdown Fans have come out in consistently high numbers for the blue half of the city’s soccer fandom, but that doesn’t mask the baseball stadium’s weird configuration, absurdly narrow field and horribly patchy grass. |
| Points 12 | Points 12 |
| 18= DC United, RFK Stadium | 18= DC United, RFK Stadium |
| Capacity 45,596 | Capacity 45,596 |
| Average attendance 2016 17,081 | Average attendance 2016 17,081 |
| The lowdown There’s plenty of history on offer in this 56-year-old venue that used to house the Redskins and Senators, but only 20 of those belong to the soccer tenants. Its baseball-configured seating is merely a place-holder until 20,000-capacity Audi Field opens next year. | The lowdown There’s plenty of history on offer in this 56-year-old venue that used to house the Redskins and Senators, but only 20 of those belong to the soccer tenants. Its baseball-configured seating is merely a place-holder until 20,000-capacity Audi Field opens next year. |
| Points 13 | Points 13 |
| 18= Colorado Rapids, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park | 18= Colorado Rapids, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park |
| Capacity 18.061 | Capacity 18.061 |
| Average attendance 2016 16,278 | Average attendance 2016 16,278 |
| The lowdown The distinctly prefab appearance of DSGP (one day they will come back and finish it) is a huge visual downer, along with the fact it sits in a greater sporting complex. The overall impression is of a temporary stadium aimed more at playing than watching. | The lowdown The distinctly prefab appearance of DSGP (one day they will come back and finish it) is a huge visual downer, along with the fact it sits in a greater sporting complex. The overall impression is of a temporary stadium aimed more at playing than watching. |
| Points 13 | Points 13 |
| 18= Minnesota United, TCF Bank Stadium | 18= Minnesota United, TCF Bank Stadium |
| Capacity 50,805 | Capacity 50,805 |
| Average attendance 2016 n/a | Average attendance 2016 n/a |
| The lowdown I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt and say their inaugural year fervor will make up for the limitations of playing on turf in a college football stadium. They have the coach in Adrian Heath to light the fans’ fire until their own digs are complete next year. | The lowdown I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt and say their inaugural year fervor will make up for the limitations of playing on turf in a college football stadium. They have the coach in Adrian Heath to light the fans’ fire until their own digs are complete next year. |
| Points 13 | Points 13 |
| 17) FC Dallas, Toyota Stadium | 17) FC Dallas, Toyota Stadium |
| Capacity 20,500 | Capacity 20,500 |
| Average attendance 2016 14,094 | Average attendance 2016 14,094 |
| The lowdown Despite the stadium’s pleasing dimensions and consistent league performances – plus great Texas support for the US national side – Dallas remains a team looking for a fan identity as attendances have dropped alarmingly in the last two years. | The lowdown Despite the stadium’s pleasing dimensions and consistent league performances – plus great Texas support for the US national side – Dallas remains a team looking for a fan identity as attendances have dropped alarmingly in the last two years. |
| Points 14 | Points 14 |
| 16) Columbus Crew, Mapfre Stadium | 16) Columbus Crew, Mapfre Stadium |
| Capacity 19,968 | Capacity 19,968 |
| Average attendance 2016 17,125 | Average attendance 2016 17,125 |
| The lowdown Having a stadium named like a bad hand at Scrabble is a drawback, as is the prominent north end stage that continues to impinge on the sightlines. The raucous Nordecke fan zone helps to redress the balance in the league’s first soccer-specific arena. | The lowdown Having a stadium named like a bad hand at Scrabble is a drawback, as is the prominent north end stage that continues to impinge on the sightlines. The raucous Nordecke fan zone helps to redress the balance in the league’s first soccer-specific arena. |
| Points 15 | Points 15 |
| 15) Chicago Fire, Toyota Park | 15) Chicago Fire, Toyota Park |
| Capacity 20,000 | Capacity 20,000 |
| Average attendance 2016 15,602 | Average attendance 2016 15,602 |
| The lowdown The imposing bulk of the west stand gives Toyota Park real substance, despite another incomplete end to the ground (at the south), while the Section 8 fans in the north stand provide the heart and soul. Now, if people could just get to Bridgeview easily … | The lowdown The imposing bulk of the west stand gives Toyota Park real substance, despite another incomplete end to the ground (at the south), while the Section 8 fans in the north stand provide the heart and soul. Now, if people could just get to Bridgeview easily … |
| Points 16 | Points 16 |
| 13= Montreal Impact, Stade Saputo | 13= Montreal Impact, Stade Saputo |
| Capacity 20,801 | Capacity 20,801 |
| Average attendance 2016 20,669 | Average attendance 2016 20,669 |
| The lowdown The curiously incomplete design, with the northern corners left open, is the only visual drawback to the Impact’s consistently impassioned home. The other three sides feel like a continuous adjunct to the action, keeping fans close to the field. | The lowdown The curiously incomplete design, with the northern corners left open, is the only visual drawback to the Impact’s consistently impassioned home. The other three sides feel like a continuous adjunct to the action, keeping fans close to the field. |
| Points 17 | Points 17 |
| 13= Philadelphia, Talen Energy Stadium | 13= Philadelphia, Talen Energy Stadium |
| Capacity 18,500 | Capacity 18,500 |
| Average attendance 2016 17,519 | Average attendance 2016 17,519 |
| The lowdown Another stadium that looks like the constructors aren’t quite finished with a U-shaped design, this can feel positively utilitarian when the fans aren’t engaged. But, when the Sons of Ben are in full voice at the River End, it’s easy to overlook. | The lowdown Another stadium that looks like the constructors aren’t quite finished with a U-shaped design, this can feel positively utilitarian when the fans aren’t engaged. But, when the Sons of Ben are in full voice at the River End, it’s easy to overlook. |
| Points 17 | Points 17 |
| 12) Toronto FC, BMO Field | 12) Toronto FC, BMO Field |
| Capacity 30,000 | Capacity 30,000 |
| Average attendance 2016 26,583 | Average attendance 2016 26,583 |
| The lowdown If it wasn’t for the rather open nature of the north stand, the big 2016 transformation of the stadium would be a 100 per cent success. The fact the original 2007-built arena was frequently compared to an IKEA construction is now largely forgotten. | The lowdown If it wasn’t for the rather open nature of the north stand, the big 2016 transformation of the stadium would be a 100 per cent success. The fact the original 2007-built arena was frequently compared to an IKEA construction is now largely forgotten. |
| Points 18 | Points 18 |
| 10= Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Place | 10= Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Place |
| Capacity 54,500 | Capacity 54,500 |
| Average attendance 2016 22,330 | Average attendance 2016 22,330 |
| The lowdown A shared home (with the Canadian Football League’s BC Lions) and the turf field are the inhibitors to higher marks for the Whitecaps’ home. Otherwise, this is an MLS hotbed thanks to its rabid fans in what can be a surprisingly intimate soccer configuration. | The lowdown A shared home (with the Canadian Football League’s BC Lions) and the turf field are the inhibitors to higher marks for the Whitecaps’ home. Otherwise, this is an MLS hotbed thanks to its rabid fans in what can be a surprisingly intimate soccer configuration. |
| Points 19 | Points 19 |
| 10= Portland Timbers, Providence Park | 10= Portland Timbers, Providence Park |
| Capacity 21,144 | Capacity 21,144 |
| Average attendance 2016 21,144 | Average attendance 2016 21,144 |
| The lowdown A stadium that has come together in fits and starts – built in 1926, renovated in 1956 and 2001, and reconfigured for the Timbers in 2011 – is now a genuine soccer stronghold that thrills home fans and visitors alike. Even the artificial turf is as good as it gets. | The lowdown A stadium that has come together in fits and starts – built in 1926, renovated in 1956 and 2001, and reconfigured for the Timbers in 2011 – is now a genuine soccer stronghold that thrills home fans and visitors alike. Even the artificial turf is as good as it gets. |
| Points 19 | Points 19 |
| 9) Real Salt Lake, Rio Tinto Stadium | 9) Real Salt Lake, Rio Tinto Stadium |
| Capacity 20,213 | Capacity 20,213 |
| Average attendance 2016 19,759 | Average attendance 2016 19,759 |
| The lowdown A superb setting, overlooked by the Wasatch Mountains, gives Rio Tinto an almost ethereal feel with its flowing lines. The contiguous nature of the arena also keeps the fans engaged, and visiting teams often find it hard sledding here, the ultimate home stadium test | The lowdown A superb setting, overlooked by the Wasatch Mountains, gives Rio Tinto an almost ethereal feel with its flowing lines. The contiguous nature of the arena also keeps the fans engaged, and visiting teams often find it hard sledding here, the ultimate home stadium test |
| Points 20 | Points 20 |
| 8) New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Arena | 8) New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Arena |
| Capacity 25,000 | Capacity 25,000 |
| Average attendance 2016 20,620 | Average attendance 2016 20,620 |
| The lowdown An indication of how far MLS stadiums have come in the last few years is shown by the fact a venue that is barely seven years old is already looking slightly ho-hum. The complete bowl design serves as a great soccer setting and fans feel truly on top of the action. | The lowdown An indication of how far MLS stadiums have come in the last few years is shown by the fact a venue that is barely seven years old is already looking slightly ho-hum. The complete bowl design serves as a great soccer setting and fans feel truly on top of the action. |
| Points 21. | Points 21. |
| 7) Los Angeles Galaxy, StubHub Center | 7) Los Angeles Galaxy, StubHub Center |
| Capacity 27,000 | Capacity 27,000 |
| Average attendance 2016 25,147 | Average attendance 2016 25,147 |
| The lowdown A compact, streamlined modern masterpiece that has great sightlines from anywhere in the venue, it was the league’s second soccer-specific stadium in 2003. Ironically, it will also be home to the NFL’s LA Chargers in 2017. How the wheel turns. | The lowdown A compact, streamlined modern masterpiece that has great sightlines from anywhere in the venue, it was the league’s second soccer-specific stadium in 2003. Ironically, it will also be home to the NFL’s LA Chargers in 2017. How the wheel turns. |
| Points 22 | Points 22 |
| 6) San Jose Earthquakes, Avaya Stadium | 6) San Jose Earthquakes, Avaya Stadium |
| Capacity 18,000 | Capacity 18,000 |
| Average attendance 2016 19,930 | Average attendance 2016 19,930 |
| The lowdown While other stadiums went more for size, in 2015 the Quakes opted for cool, as in hi-tech chic that also offered one of the best fan features in the league – a 3,647 sq ft bar along the north side boasting 45 draft beers. The three echo-extensive roofed stands are also serious noise generators. | The lowdown While other stadiums went more for size, in 2015 the Quakes opted for cool, as in hi-tech chic that also offered one of the best fan features in the league – a 3,647 sq ft bar along the north side boasting 45 draft beers. The three echo-extensive roofed stands are also serious noise generators. |
| Points 23 | Points 23 |
| 5) Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 5) Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Capacity 71,000 | Capacity 71,000 |
| Average attendance 2016 n/a | Average attendance 2016 n/a |
| The lowdown I’ll go out on a limb and say that United’s 28,000-plus season ticket sales will ensure the stadium’s debut in July makes this a must-see venue, despite its football-first configuration and turf field. All signs point to a soccer explosion in the heart of Georgia. | The lowdown I’ll go out on a limb and say that United’s 28,000-plus season ticket sales will ensure the stadium’s debut in July makes this a must-see venue, despite its football-first configuration and turf field. All signs point to a soccer explosion in the heart of Georgia. |
| Points 24 | Points 24 |
| 4) Seattle Sounders, CenturyLink Field | 4) Seattle Sounders, CenturyLink Field |
| Capacity 69,000 | Capacity 69,000 |
| Average attendance 2016 42,636 | Average attendance 2016 42,636 |
| The lowdown The league’s best-supported club benefits from top-notch – albeit football-specific – quarters that have ensured the title of the Pacific north-west’s soccer HQ. Unique pre-game events and in-game engagement (supporters often link arms at key moments) elevate this beyond mere fandom. | The lowdown The league’s best-supported club benefits from top-notch – albeit football-specific – quarters that have ensured the title of the Pacific north-west’s soccer HQ. Unique pre-game events and in-game engagement (supporters often link arms at key moments) elevate this beyond mere fandom. |
| Points 25 | Points 25 |
| 3) Houston Dynamo, BBVA Compass Stadium | 3) Houston Dynamo, BBVA Compass Stadium |
| Capacity 22,039 | Capacity 22,039 |
| Average attendance 2016 19,021 | Average attendance 2016 19,021 |
| The lowdown Soccer purists were smitten with this cozily-styled venue from the onset in 2012, a sleek, uncluttered and effective design that is as atmospheric as it gets when full. If it feels European in conception, that’s because architects Populous also created the new Wembley and Emirates stadia in London. | The lowdown Soccer purists were smitten with this cozily-styled venue from the onset in 2012, a sleek, uncluttered and effective design that is as atmospheric as it gets when full. If it feels European in conception, that’s because architects Populous also created the new Wembley and Emirates stadia in London. |
| Points 26 | Points 26 |
| 2) Sporting Kansas City, Children’s Mercy Park | 2) Sporting Kansas City, Children’s Mercy Park |
| Capacity 18,467 | Capacity 18,467 |
| Average attendance 2016 19,597 | Average attendance 2016 19,597 |
| The lowdown Like Seattle but in a soccer-specific stadium, Sporting have recreated the blueprint for fan engagement in a lively, usually packed setting that features arguably the best game production crew in the league. The ‘Blue Hell’ fans in the north stand fully earn their rep, and the barbecue is pretty good, too. | The lowdown Like Seattle but in a soccer-specific stadium, Sporting have recreated the blueprint for fan engagement in a lively, usually packed setting that features arguably the best game production crew in the league. The ‘Blue Hell’ fans in the north stand fully earn their rep, and the barbecue is pretty good, too. |
| Points 28 | Points 28 |
| 1) Orlando City, Orlando City Stadium | 1) Orlando City, Orlando City Stadium |
| Capacity 25,500 | Capacity 25,500 |
| Average attendance 2016 31,324 (at Camping World Stadium) | Average attendance 2016 31,324 (at Camping World Stadium) |
| The lowdown Take the Houston and Kansas City examples, add a dash of European savoir faire, paint it purple and, voila, the new benchmark in MLS experiences. Featuring the first standing-only section in North America (like Borussia Dortmund’s Yellow Wall), Orlando promises to provide the most concentrated soccer stage in the US (for now). | The lowdown Take the Houston and Kansas City examples, add a dash of European savoir faire, paint it purple and, voila, the new benchmark in MLS experiences. Featuring the first standing-only section in North America (like Borussia Dortmund’s Yellow Wall), Orlando promises to provide the most concentrated soccer stage in the US (for now). |
| Points 30 | Points 30 |
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