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MLS Stadiums: Eastern Conference Update – DC United, NYCFC, and Columbus

By Nathan Reynolds

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 22: Fans cheer in the first half of a MLS game between the New York Red Bulls and DC United at RFK Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 22: Fans cheer in the first half of a MLS game between the New York Red Bulls and DC United at RFK Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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DC United’s new Audi Field headlines the Eastern Conference stadium news for 2018, but several MLS clubs are working towards future upgrades.

Yesterday we looked at stadium upgrades and forthcoming stadiums across the Western Conference. Today we run through DC’s new ground and the latest news for NYCFC, Atlanta United, New England Revolution, Columbus Crew and the expansion side Nashville SC.

DC United

After 21 seasons in RFK Stadium, DC United will finally have a home built for them. The club will open the new Audi Field on July 14th when they host the Vancouver Whitecaps. The new 20K stadium is located just two blocks from the MLB park for the Nationals, and two miles south of the Capitol Building.

The mid-year opening will put DC United on the road for a long stretch, much like Toronto FC did for several seasons. DC will play two ‘home’ games earlier in the campaign, in a to be named location in the surrounding area. The Navy stadium and the Maryland Soccer Complex appear to be frontrunners.

Quick Hits

  • NYCFC lost the bid to build a new stadium at Belmont Park.
  • The massively successful Atlanta United has announced plans to open the entire Mercedes-Benz Stadium for four matches in 2018. That will bring capacity over 70,000. Atlanta will host the 2018 MLS All-Star Game.
  • After years of renovations, Toronto FC will finally not have an extended road start to their campaign.
  • Now that DC United is moving into a new home. The New England Revolution take sole possession of first place in the category of needing a new home ground. The club has commented that they are open to a number of locations, including downtown Boston and even Rhode Island. Jonathan Kraft recently stated that they hope to have a plan to present to fans by the end of 2018.

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  • While Crew fans still hold out hope that their team will be saved, Precourt outed, and remain in Columbus, news came out this week about the possible Austin move. Officials in Texas stated that they were halting work (!?) on selecting a stadium site, due to lack of communication from Precourt. So he isn’t interested in keeping the team in Ohio or reviewing stadium sites in Austin.
  • Future expansion side, Nashville SC, will begin work in 2018 on their home at the Nashville Fairgrounds. The stadium plans call for 27,500 seats.
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