Top 10 MLS Stadiums in the U.S

The MLS was founded in 1996, following USA hosted the 1994 World Cup. This marked a significant milestone for American Soccer when the league was officially announced. In 1999, the first soccer-specific stadium in the MLS was built. The Historic Crew Stadium, which was associated with Columbus Crew became the first of many stadiums built only for soccer in the United States.

Over the years, more franchised clubs joined the MLS, with each building their own unique stadium. Now, we take a closer look at all MLS Stadiums to discover which clubs offers the best stadiums experience for a proper matchday at a soccer match.

Down below is a list of all the teams with their stadium capacity and their highest record attendance ever in the MLS:

Top 10 Stadiums in the MLS

The MLS has expanded significantly, with each club owning its own stadium to play in. Every stadium offers its own experience, with other stadiums providing a better matchday than others. The energy of the crowd, the excitement of the goals, and the variety of food all combine to create an unforgettable matchday experience for fans.

Here, I will share my opinion on which stadiums offer the ultimate matchday experience in the MLS.

10. TQL Stadium (FC Cincinnati)

The TQL Stadium, home to FC Cincinnati, is one of the top 10 stadiums in the MLS that offers an exceptional matchday experience. With a capacity of 26,000, it features one of the best LED exterior lighting displays in the U.S. The passionate Cincinnati fans create a vibrant and loud atmosphere, making every game feel electric. As a modern stadium, the stadium is easy to access and provides premium fan experiences, including club seating and suites, ensuring the best possible matchday experience. 

FC Cinicinnati stadium LED Display

9. Allianz Field (Minnesota United)

Allianz Field, home of Minnesota United, provides an unforgettable experience for soccer fans. The stadium is surrounded with a stunning LED Façade from the outside, creating a spectacular visual from the outside. The stadium is built to amplify crowd noise. It is also a environmentally friendly venue, constructed with eco-friendly materials to promote sustainability. With comfortable seating, it ensures a pleasant and enjoyable matchday experience for every fan.

Minnesota United FC Stadium LED Façade

8. Lower.com Field (Columbus Crew)

Columbus Crew new home stadium, the Lower.com Field, holds a capacity of 20,371 for a sold out matchday. The Columbus Crew new stadium is impressively built with a canopy roof, ensuring that crowd noises remain inside, creating an electric atmosphere. The Nordecke (Columbus Crew Ultras) is regarded as one of the best supporters group in the U.S, delivering a unique support that is amazing to watch, even for neutral fans.  Also, before the match kicks off, they have different areas in the stadium where fans can relax, socialize, and enjoy a drink with friends, adding to the overall matchday experience.

Colombus Crew Stadium 

7. Providence Park (Portland Timbers)

Located in Portland, Providence Park, home to the Portland Timbers is one of the best stadiums in the U.S to experience an exceptional matchday experience. Portland Timbers are well known for their supporters group ,the "Timbers Army", which creates an exceptional atmosphere. The "Timbers Army" puts on an impressive choreography before kick off, adding to the unique experience. Providence Park is also known for it's modern upgrades while retaining its historic charm, reflecting the club's rich history since it was established.

Portland Timbers stadium with passionate supporters

6. Geodis Park (Nashville SC)

The home of Nashville SC, Geodis park with a capacity of 30,000, is another fantastic stadium to experience a superb matchday. Geodis Park is the largest soccer-specific stadium in the US, exclusively hosting Nashville SC soccer matches. The supporters creates a unique atmosphere in the stadium, passionately supporting their team throughout the entire 90 minutes, creating an exceptional vibe. Every section of the stadium offers great sightlines, ensuring a fantastic view for fans. Additionally, local food is available throughout the venue, enhancing the overall matchday experience.

Nashville SC Soccer-Specific Stadium

5. BMO Stadium (LAFC)

The home of LAFC, BMO stadium, is also considered as one of the best stadiums in the U.S. With a capacity of 22,000, the stadium is designed to keep fans close to the pitch, boosting the atmosphere and allowing players to feel more energy, making it tougher for the away side. The club renowned the 3252 supporters section, with the aim to push them to create an electric atmosphere throughout the match. The LAFC vs LA galaxy rivalry is a must-see for any soccer fan passionate about electric atmospheres.

LAFC Stadium with 3252 Choreography 

4. Q2 Stadium (Austin FC)

Austin FC's home stadium, Q2 Stadium, holds a capacity of 20,738. While not the largest stadium, it creates a sublime matchday experience. The stadium is mostly notably known for the Los Verdes supporters group, who delivers a spectacular show with the iconic "Austin Anthem" played during matchdays. Built with an Eco-friendly construction, the stadium prioritizes fan, including shaded areas to protect the supporters from the sun. Additionally, Q2 Stadium has top tech technologies, such as dynamic lighting and excellent WI-FI connectivity. With its passionate fan base and modern features, Q2 Stadium is undoubtedly one of the top stadiums to visit.

Austin FC Stadium with their passionate fans

3. Exploria Stadium (Orlando City SC)

Located in Orlando, Florida, The Exploria Stadium, home of Orlando City SC,  is designed with a unique style to create a vibrant atmosphere. The stands are steeply inclined, intentionally designed to have an intimate atmosphere in the stadium. The stadium also have a designated safe-standing section for supporters to watch the game from the dedicated area. With premium suites and entertainment spaces for all fans, Exploria Stadium offers an amazing matchday experience.

Orlando City SC Stadium from the stands

2. Lumen Field (Seattle Sounders)

With a high capacity of 68,740, the Lumen Field, home of Seattle Sounders, is regarded as one of the best stadiums in the US. As a soccer fan, one can experience the intensity and passion of the Emerald City Supporters. Their fanbase is ranked among the top 3 in the MLS, showing their passionate support for their beloved team. The sounders regularly sees expanded seating for high-profile matches, highlighting the city’s love for soccer. They often break MLS attendance records, further emphasizing their passion for the club.

Seattle Sounders Stadium with their fans supporting the team

1. Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta United)

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of Atlanta United, is regarded as the best stadium in the MLS from many. With a staggering 71,000 capacity (73,000 expanded), the stadium offers an exceptional all-around matchday experience. It features a state of the art retractable roof, which can be opened or close when needed. Additionally, it has a 360-Degree HD halo video board at the centre of the stadium.

Atlanta United spectacular Stadium

As expected, the atmosphere is electric throughout the matchday experience, with Atlanta consistently having one of the highest attendances in the MLS. Their brilliant support is led by their supporters group "The Faction", regarded as one of the best supporters group in the league.