Soccer Stadiums in the USA: Top 10 Venues for Fans and Travelers

Soccer has exploded in popularity across America, and with it come some amazing soccer stadiums in the USA. From intimate MLS-specific arenas to massive NFL venues hosting special matches, these top stadiums deliver unforgettable experiences. In this guide we rank the best 10 soccer stadiums in the USA, covering seating capacity, atmosphere, home teams, and notable events. We also touch on other MLS stadiums and major league soccer venues worth visiting. Whether you’re a soccer fan or a sports traveler, you’ll find details on capacities, records, and what makes each venue special.

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Many of these venues are soccer-specific stadiums built for Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, offering a true football atmosphere. Others are large football arenas that host soccer games and record crowds. Together, they form the top soccer arenas in America, from oldest parks to cutting-edge stadiums. We highlight facts like seating capacity, club tenants, year opened, and famous matches. Get ready to explore the USA’s biggest and best soccer venues – and maybe plan a road trip to catch a match!

Top 10 Soccer Stadiums in the USA

Providence Park (Portland, OR)

Home Teams: Portland Timbers (MLS) & Portland Thorns (NWSL). Fans know this place for the “Timbers Army” – one of the most passionate supporter groups in MLS.
Opened: 1926 (renovated many times). It’s one of the oldest sports venues still in use in America.
Capacity: About 25,000 (expanded to 25,218 in 2019). The stadium’s intimate scale makes for an intense atmosphere at MLS matches.
Highlights: Providence Park hosted the 2009 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, MLS Cup playoff games, and NWSL Championship matches. The northeast corner was expanded in 2019 to reach 25,218 seats.
Stadium Facts: Owned by the City of Portland, this venue’s historic feel and brick facade make it a must-visit. It’s walking-distance from downtown Portland and features a giant timbersaw that “cuts” a log after every Timbers goal, thanks to mascot Timber Joey.

Lumen Field (Seattle, WA)

Home Teams: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS), Seattle Seahawks (NFL). Also home to NWSL’s Seattle Reign.
Opened: 2002 (originally Seahawks Stadium). Renamed Lumen Field in 2020.
Capacity: 37,722 for MLS soccer games (expandable to 68,740 for NFL). Known for boisterous crowds, Seattle’s soccer matches regularly sell out.
Highlights: Lumen Field holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar: 137.6 decibels in 2014. It hosted the 2019 MLS Cup final and numerous US men’s and women’s national team games. The 2014 & 2019 MLS Cups (Sounders vs. Toronto & Columbus) were played here.
Stadium Facts: Built on the Kingdome site, the partially covered stadium features swooping arches. The massive “Clink” scoreboard and artificial FieldTurf were revolutionary. Fans often remark that the stadium’s noise gives Seattle a huge home-field advantage.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)

Home Teams: Atlanta United FC (MLS) & Atlanta Falcons (NFL).
Opened: 2017. Modern design with a retractable “camera shutter” roof.
Capacity: About 42,500 for soccer (expandable to 71,000+ for NFL/Special Events). For MLS games, only the lower bowl is used, but nearly all 42,500 seats are often filled by Atlanta United’s fans.
Highlights: Atlanta United set attendance records here. In 2017, their home opener drew 70,425 fans (upper deck opened for first time) and later a record 71,874 for a regular-season game. These are among the highest crowds in MLS history. In 2018, 67,221 fans attended a playoff game – the largest MLS playoff crowd. The venue has also hosted US men’s and women’s national team games and will be a World Cup 2026 host.
Stadium Facts: Besides record crowds, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is known for its 58-million-pound triangular roof panels that open and close. A train horn blasts after every Atlanta score, and the panoramic video halo board rings the top (first of its kind). Its architecture and technology make it an iconic soccer arena in America.

BMO Stadium (Los Angeles, CA)

(formerly Banc of California Stadium)

Home Teams: Los Angeles FC (MLS) & Angel City FC (NWSL).
Opened: 2018. First open-air stadium built in Los Angeles since 1962.
Capacity: 22,000. Steep seating (34°) means even fans in the last row are less than 135 feet from the pitch, creating an intimate atmosphere.
Highlights: Since opening, LAFC has been one of MLS’s best teams, winning MLS Cup 2022 at home. The stadium’s closeness to the field and luxury suites (35 executive suites) draw praise. It hosted the 2022 All-Star Game (Atlético Madrid vs. Liga MX All-Stars). Angel City’s games also regularly sell out.
Stadium Facts: Located next to USC campus, BMO Stadium replaced the old Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on site. It was a $350M project by architect Gensler and has a transparent roof. All seats (capacity 22,000) are within 135 ft of the field. Fans laud the steep stands and sightlines that make it one of the best viewing experiences among major league soccer venues.

Children’s Mercy Park (Kansas City, KS)

Home Teams: Sporting Kansas City (MLS).
Opened: 2011. Originally called Livestrong Sporting Park.
Capacity: 18,467 (expandable for concerts). Typical SKC home games attract about 21,000 due to flexible stands modes.
Highlights: Voted a top U.S. stadium by fans; in 2017 it was named the best soccer-specific venue by Stadium Journey. It hosted the 2013 MLS Cup final (RSL vs. SKC) and the All-Star Game (USA vs. Chelsea) in 2013 – it’s the only venue to host All-Star, MLS Cup and USMNT games in the same year. It also saw the US women’s national team play in 2012 (almost 20k fans).
Stadium Facts: With a suburban location near Kansas Speedway, it was privately financed ($200M) by Sporting Club. The bowl is very steep, giving fans excellent views. It has Daktronics video boards and a natural grass pitch. Sporting KC has drawn some of MLS’s largest crowds here – SKC set an MLS attendance record (18,467) for a playoff game in 2013. The stadium often sells out, and it is recognized as one of the best soccer stadiums in the USA for its fan amenities and atmosphere.

Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)

Home Teams: D.C. United (MLS) & Washington Spirit (NWSL).
Opened: 2018. Located in Buzzard Point area of SW D.C.
Capacity: 20,000. Modern design with independent supporter sections and safe standing behind goals.
Highlights: D.C. United’s first home game (July 2018) sold out. The stadium hosted the NWSL Challenge Cup and international friendlies (including a 2020 USMNT match vs. Panama). It’s known for a lively downtown matchday scene around The Wharf and Navy Yard.
Stadium Facts: Built by Populous for $450M, Audi Field has a grass pitch and is purpose-built for soccer. It features a large electronic ribbon and 31 luxury suites. The first event was a U.S. women’s friendly (7/9/2018). Fans and media have praised its sightlines and the game-day vibe created by U Street’s DuPont Circle bar scene nearby.

Lower.com Field (Columbus, OH)

Home Teams: Columbus Crew (MLS).
Opened: 2021 (replaced Historic Crew Stadium).
Capacity: 20,371. Includes 30 luxury suites and 1,900 club seats.
Highlights: The inaugural match on July 3, 2021 was a 2–2 draw vs. New England Revolution. In 2022 the Crew won MLS Cup at home against LAFC, with a record 20,593 fans (over capacity). Its downtown location, in a new mixed-use district, has energized the city’s soccer culture.
Stadium Facts: A $314M stadium in the Arena District, built by HNTB and Mortenson. It features modern amenities like a large digital scoreboard and easy transit access. Named after an online mortgage lender (Lower.com), it has bold black-and-yellow Crew branding. Lower.com Field is part of a USL/MLS trend of new mid-size stadiums.

Allianz Field (Saint Paul, MN)

Home Teams: Minnesota United FC (MLS).
Opened: 2019. First soccer-specific stadium in Minnesota.
Capacity: 19,400. Not a huge stadium by MLB standards, but fans pack it out regularly.
Highlights: The stadium’s standout feature is its semi-translucent PTFE fabric facade that glows at night. In 2019, when the stadium opened, it was called a “world-class stadium” by architects. Allianz Field hosted U.S. men’s national team qualifying games and friendly matches (e.g. vs. Colombia).
Stadium Facts: Privately financed ($200M) by club owner Bill McGuire, Allianz Field was designed by Populous. It won engineering awards for its translucent facade. The seating bowl is steep and has safe standing sections, making a compact soccer atmosphere. A specially built “Taco Zone” plaza has become a fan tailgate party spot. The stadium’s modern design and LED-lit exterior make it one of the most photogenic soccer arenas in America.

Q2 Stadium (Austin, TX)

Home Teams: Austin FC (MLS).
Opened: 2021. Austin’s first major pro sports stadium.
Capacity: 20,500. All seated except lower-end supporters’ section offers safe standing.
Highlights: First game: US Women’s National Team vs. Nigeria (June 16, 2021). The stadium has since hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup matches (2021), college football, and international friendlies. Its downtown location alongside Lady Bird Lake makes it scenic.
Stadium Facts: Built for $260M, Q2 Stadium features a wood and steel facade reflecting Austin’s culture. It was privately funded by owner Anthony Precourt. Features include a green energy partnership and an adjoining MLS NEXT Pro training facility. Locals have nicknamed it “Q2” (after the tech firm sponsor). Its sleek design and city views make it a top soccer venue in Texas.

Sports Illustrated Stadium (Harrison, NJ)

(formerly Red Bull Arena)

Home Teams: New York Red Bulls (MLS) & NJ/NY Gotham FC (NWSL).
Opened: 2010. One of the first modern soccer-specific stadiums in the US.
Capacity: 25,000 – the sixth-largest soccer-specific capacity in the US. It’s built as a single-bowl stadium on the Hudson River waterfront.
Highlights: Opened with a Red Bulls vs. Santos match in March 2010 (sold-out). Named among US’s top soccer venues, its partial transparent roof and cantilevered upper deck offer great views. The venue has hosted U.S. men’s and women’s national team games, CONCACAF Champions League matches, and international friendlies (Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Juventus, etc.).
Stadium Facts: Fans in front row sit just 21 feet from the touchlines – as close as many European venues. The curved steel roof is an architectural signature. It held the NYC soccer audience for years until NYCFC got Yankee Stadium. It was renamed Sports Illustrated Stadium in 2024 under a sponsorship deal. Its design and waterfront setting make it arguably the best soccer-specific arena in the New York area.

Other Notable Soccer Venues

Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA): Home of New England Revolution (MLS). An 65,000-seat NFL stadium, it often fills up for big Revolution games. In April 2024 a Messi exhibition match drew 65,612 fans, the Revolution’s highest-ever crowd. This multi-purpose venue also hosted the 2022 MLS Cup final and US national team games.
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL): Home to NFL’s Miami Dolphins and Inter Miami CF (inaugural season 2023). This 65,000+ capacity stadium has hosted Copa America 2016 final and will be a 2026 World Cup site.
MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ): Shared by New York Red Bulls (MLS) and New York Giants/Jets (NFL). It’s a 82,000-seat venue where the Red Bulls have occasionally played (“Homegrown Game”) and hosted the 2015 Copa America.
Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO): 76,000-seat NFL stadium of the Kansas City Chiefs. Used by Sporting KC and the USMNT in CONCACAF Gold Cup games – notably, 72,610 fans watched USA vs. Panama there in July 2023 (the 4th-largest standalone MLS crowd).
CenturyLink Field (Seattle): As mentioned, often called one of the best US soccer venues. Already detailed above.
U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN): 66,000-seat NFL stadium used for big U.S. and Minnesota United friendlies (e.g. 2017 Gold Cup quarterfinal, 2018 USWNT).
Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, CA): 68,500-seat NFL stadium (49ers) that will host World Cup 2026 matches and occasionally 1999 Women’s World Cup final. Also used for international friendlies in San Francisco Bay.

These multipurpose stadiums show that the USA has some of the largest soccer venues in the U.S., even if they’re not soccer-specific. For pure atmosphere, though, many fans prefer the new soccer-specific stadiums listed above.

Why These Stadiums Stand Out

Intimacy and Atmosphere: The best soccer stadiums often offer close sightlines. Providence Park, Children’s Mercy, and Lower.com Field have relatively small capacities (18–25k) but sell out every match, creating a raucous atmosphere. These MLS stadiums compare favorably to famous football stadiums worldwide.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, BMO Stadium, and Q2 Stadium are modern, high-tech venues (retractable roofs, big video boards, etc.). Fans get comfortable seats, wide concourses, and premium amenities.
Historic and Unique: Providence Park is nearly 100 years old. Lumen Field has an iconic roof and noise record. Allianz Field’s glowing facade is unique. Fans will often travel to visit these special features.
Capacity Records: Several listed stadiums have hosted record crowds for soccer. Atlanta’s 71,874 (Mercedez-Benz) and SKC’s Gold Cup crowds (Arrowhead) are modern examples. With soccer’s growing popularity, these venues will see even larger attendances (World Cup ’26 included).
Location and Access: These stadiums are mostly in or near downtowns (Seattle, Columbus, DC, Kansas City, Austin), often with transit access. That makes match days more convenient for travelers and locals alike.

Enjoy reading about these amazing venues. Comment below with your favorite stadium experiences and share this with fellow soccer fans!

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

In closing, these Soccer Stadiums in the USA represent the pinnacle of football venues in America today. From historic Providence Park to cutting-edge Mercedes-Benz Stadium, each offers a unique experience. Whether you’re planning a soccer road trip or simply curious, we hope this guide helps you discover the top MLS and soccer arenas in the USA. Let us know which stadium you’d love to visit next!