Boston Unity Soccer Partners, in collaboration with the City of Boston and Boston Public Schools, has officially moved forward with plans to renovate White Stadium. The historic venue, located in Franklin Park, will be transformed into a modern facility that will serve both the community and Boston’s new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, which is set to debut in 2026.
Boston Unity recently filed plans with the Boston Planning and Development Agency, outlining a vision for the stadium that includes updated seating, improved accessibility, and upgraded facilities for athletes and spectators. The $30 million project will focus on restoring the West Grandstand and developing an adjacent green space, known as “The Grove,” which will be used for events and community activities.
The renovated stadium is expected to host around 20 professional soccer matches per year, primarily on weekend nights during the NWSL season. The team will also hold occasional practices at White Stadium while using a separate facility for training. Outside of soccer, the venue will remain available for Boston Public Schools’ sporting events, graduations, and city-wide programs such as summer camps, concerts, and cultural festivals.
Planned upgrades include new entrances, stairs, elevators, and restroom facilities. Concession stands, a media booth, and a lounge area will also be added. A private team section will house locker rooms, training areas, and office space for coaching staff. Boston Unity has pledged to enhance lighting and security while maintaining the stadium’s curved, Art Deco-style facade.
The Grove, a new addition to the project, will serve as a flexible event space. On game days, it will provide food and beverage options for fans, but it could also be repurposed seasonally as an ice-skating rink or an open-air dining space. Notably, there are no plans to increase parking around White Stadium. Instead, the soccer club will operate shuttles to and from nearby MBTA stations and designated parking areas.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has voiced her support for the initiative, emphasizing its long-term impact on the community. Speaking to The Boston Globe, Wu highlighted the importance of integrating the project into Boston’s neighborhoods. “The conversation kept coming back to this group really wanting to have a deep and sustained impact in our neighborhoods,” she said. “Not just to be loosely affiliated with the city of Boston and our fan base, but to have a strong partnership that would create opportunity in the day-to-day for Boston residents and especially young people.”
The announcement has sparked discussion among residents, with reactions surfacing on social media. Local content creator Mike Deez shared a post questioning whether the renovation was a worthwhile investment or an unnecessary expense. His followers weighed in, with some applauding the project as a much-needed improvement that keeps sports and investment within the city. Others viewed it as a way to bring new energy to the area while maintaining the stadium’s use for local schools and community events.
As planning progresses, the Boston Planning and Development Agency is seeking input from residents and business owners interested in shaping the project. Community members can contact Project Manager Ebony DaRosa at [email protected] to get involved.
Boston’s NWSL team has yet to announce an official name, but with White Stadium’s transformation underway, preparations for professional women’s soccer in the city are taking shape.
