Soccer-Only-Stadiums

[soccer4ever]

How many are there currently?

Does the CMGI Field qualify?

[kebzach]

Originally posted by soccer4ever

Does the CMGI Field qualify?

No, that is the new home of the New England Patriots.

The fact that the Revolution play there is secondary.

Just go to the stadium, you'll see what I mean.

[Khansingh]

It does accomodate an international-size field. 75 yards I believe? Virtually every new NFL stadium does. It's all part of the 2010 or 2014 World Cup bid.

Oh Christ, I just saw that Bassmasters Challenge on Top Ten Plays of the Week. What a joke.

[Minnman]

First of all, we don't use the term "soccer-only" because there are probably zero "soccer only" stadiums in the US. That is, if you take the "only" part seriously.

The term in vogue is "soccer specific." In translation, this means that the stadiuim must have been designed to be primarily a soccer stadium and have a seating capacity somewhere in the 20-30,000 range (i.e., an appropriate size for MLS). The facility must also be owned by an MLS investor, or be linked in such a way that MLS can pocket the lion's share of match-day revenue (parking, concessions) and use the stadium to generate ancillary revenue (concerts, other non-soccer sporting events). Finally, MLS must be top-dog in the stadium; the league can't get bumped from scheduling on the dates/times it finds most preferable, and the playing surface won't be compromised by other paying customers (i.e., grid iron football markings and a cut up pitch in the fall; ruined grass after due to concerts, etc.).

[soccer4ever]

Thanks. So how many soccer-specific stadiums are there?

[peledre]

Well, in the MLS, Columbus, and soon to be LA.

For Minor Leagues--
Lockhart stadium was renovated, and the team was the main tennant b4 they were contracted. There's a soccer stadium in Charleston for their A-League team. The Minnesota thunder play in a "soccer-specific" stadium, but it has a running track around it. The Carolina Courage play in a soccer stadium in Cary, NC. I'm sure there'll be more ppl on here that can name some of the other smaller venues.

[Minnman]

I'd point out that the A-League, WUSA stadiums mentioned aren't up to MLS specs, mostly because they're too small.

As peledre says, there's but one rue soccer specific stadium in MLS with another under construction. There have, however, been approximately 7,000 stadium contruction rumors over the past 6+ years; hence the existence of these boards.

[snowfx2]

I believe the Virginia Beach Sportsplex is a SSS for the A-League Hampton Roads Mariners.

[Daniel from Montréal]

Well the Impact are the only tenants at 7,500-seat athletic stadium Centre Claude-Robillard, but neither own it or get any money from concessions.