Global integrated design firm Stantec was selected by Boston Unity Soccer Partners to redevelop White Stadium into a premier soccer venue for the city’s new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team. The firm is providing architecture and landscape architecture services.
Designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted in the 1880s, the historic landmark Franklin Park is home to White Stadium, which was built in 1949 and has since fallen into disrepair. The existing building lacks the spaces, accessibility, systems, and amenities needed to be a citywide resource. When Boston was chosen as one of three cities for an NWSL expansion team, the stadium offered the ideal location for the team’s home.
Stantec’s design team developed a holistic proposal with the City’s design team to reactivate White Stadium through program development and physical interventions. Improvements to White Stadium include roof canopies over new grandstand seating areas that will hold 10,000 spectators and the addition of a mixed-use space with food and beverage offerings that opens out to the Playstead playing fields.
Called “The Grove,” the event lawn will host events such as tai chi, children’s storytelling, small performances, seasonal markets, and cultural gatherings, programmed with a neighborhood advisory group. The team will take special care to preserve White Stadium’s art deco façade as well as Franklin Park’s heritage trees and pastoral paths.
Boston Unity Soccer Partners reached an agreement with the City of Boston that promises 20 days out of the year to the NWSL team, while the remainder are open to the Boston Public Schools (BPS) sports programs.
The West Grandstand and Grove will be renovated into 75,000 square feet of team areas, concessions, and fan lounges, leased by the professional team and renovated/rebuilt for their needs. The East Grandstand and field will be demolished and rebuilt by the City to accommodate a 75-yard-wide regulation field and track. It will focus on BPS’ needs with student wellness areas, locker rooms, athletic equipment storage, and BPS offices.
Construction is expected to be substantially completed by March of 2026.