MLS: Ranking all 24 Major League Soccer stadiums

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: A wide view of the pitch from the stands of Mercedes Benz Stadium just prior to the start of the 2018 Audi MLS Cup Championship match between Atlanta United and the Portland Timbers at the Mercedes Benz Stadium on December 08, 2018 in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /

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ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 31: Fans celebrate during the soccer match between DC United and the Orlando City Lions on March 31, 2019, at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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.

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