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MLS Stadiums: Western Conference Update LAFC, Portland Timbers and more

ByNathan Reynolds|
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 26: Construction of the Banc of California Stadium, the new 22,000 capacity home of LAFC - Los Angeles Football Club an American professional expansion soccer franchise based in the Exposition Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. The team plans to begin play in Major League Soccer (MLS) starting in 2018 prior to the International Champions Cup 2017 match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 26: Construction of the Banc of California Stadium, the new 22,000 capacity home of LAFC - Los Angeles Football Club an American professional expansion soccer franchise based in the Exposition Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. The team plans to begin play in Major League Soccer (MLS) starting in 2018 prior to the International Champions Cup 2017 match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

As the league continues to grow so do the grounds. A look at forthcoming stadiums and renovations across the MLS’ Western Conference.

The new stadium for Los Angeles FC will be the marquee location at the start of the campaign, but they aren’t the only team working on their club’s home. The Portland Timbers are starting a three-tier projected to elevated and expand Providence Park, while Minnesota United are hoping to launch their new ground in mid-2019.

LAFC

2018’s new team, will open in late April when the club hosts the Seattle Sounders on the 29th. Banc of California Stadium has a capacity of 22,000 and has a central location in downtown LA. Like in Orlando, LAFC will feature a standing supporters section on the west end.

The stadium will be a part of the 2028 Olympics hosted in Los Angeles. Following the impressive debut of Atlanta’s ground last year and being in a marquee market, there are several notable features:

  • Open air, but covered terraces along the top of the stands, making the game, the city, and the sunset all viewable.
  • A swimming pool on the press box lounge deck.

Portland Timbers

Already home to one of the best crowds in MLS, Providence Park, is getting a facelift to pack in addition Timbers and Thorns fans. Four thousand new seats will be added to the downtown stadium. In the heart of the city, the east side will expand upward to bring capacity over 25,000.

The Timbers home opener in 2018 will be delayed during phase one of the construction. However, the entire project will not be completed until next off-season. Once finished the east stands will feature a new roof covering a large section of fans.

Minnesota United

The Loons future home, Allianz Field, is being built in between Minneapolis and Saint Paul. It is currently set for completion during Spring 2019, which would allow for a delayed home run for Minnesota United next season, similar to DC this year.

The ground will seat 19,400, but designed to be expanded to almost 25K as part of a future expansion.

Next: MLS Transfers: January 19th – Trades on Draft Day and Barco

Quick Hits

  • Toyota Stadium, home to FC Dallas, is set to complete construction of the National Soccer Hall of Fame during the 2018 season.
  • Ahead of the 2018 season, the Real Salt Lake organization will open their new 5K seat Zions Bank Stadium and new training center. The ground will be home to their USL club, the Real Monarchs.
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