4. Orlando City SC – Orlando City Stadium – Orlando, FL
Capacity: 25,500
Opened: 2017
Pros: Atmosphere, sightlines, original design, soccer-specific, natural surface, covered seating
Cons: Heat, location (for now)
One of the larger stadiums in the new guard, Orlando City Stadium doesn’t sacrifice intimacy despite being the sixth largest venue in all of MLS. The safe standing area at the north end of the stadium is one of the best walls of noise in MLS, and the symmetrical seating with a few quirks and quarks here and there helps give Orlando that unique feel. Major bonus points for the palm trees that can be seen lazily rustling in the wind even on the broadcast, as this adds a real Florida feel to an Orlando City home match. Although the stadium isn’t located in the greatest neighbourhood, expectations are that with the new ground present, gentrification will come, whether that’s a good thing or not. The heat also counts as a strike against the venue, however this is something the players more have to worry about than the fans due to the overhangs that provide shelter from Mother Nature. Providing one of the best home atmospheres in the game, Orlando City hit the nail on the head with this one.