Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
With the MLS currently in a state of enforced hiatus, it means the opportunity to wager on America's top soccer competition has been somewhat lessened. However, the attention of users of NJ betting apps has just been diverted elsewhere.
Much has been made of when the league's 25th season will resume competition, and with 2020 meant to be a party for Don Garber and his fellow MLS cohorts, many fear that it will be one with little or no attendance at all.
That is because with the coronavirus pandemic sweeping across sporting disciplines all over the globe, the prospect of supporters being in attendance within the next six to twelve months is one that looks rather remote.
A prospect that sees 26 MLS stadiums not being utilized to their full potential, and when you consider how glamorous some of these constructions are, it is almost a crying shame that they will have to be left empty.
At strange times like these, such constructions need a little attention and to be shown that they are still loved. We are now going to take a look at the best stadiums that the MLS has to offer in 2020 and beyond.
When it comes to the definition of best, one has to consider the criteria that are being used. Although the biggest attendance or the best food stalls may be considered candidates, it is the atmosphere which is always the vital component at any location.
There is no point in having a fantastic stadium if you can hear a pin drop at the same time. Therefore, special mention must go to Providence Park and the raucous atmosphere that Timbers fans have previously generated.
That noise may be muted for quite a while, but when Providence Park does open its doors again, this 74-year-old venue will once again serve up its usual vociferous roar and one that often intimidates road teams and supporters alike.
With Los Angeles FC being one of the newer franchises to operate in the MLS, their home is one of the shiniest of the current lot. It is almost the perfect example of a modern-day American soccer stadium.
It is a 22,000-seater venue that is welcoming to all. It offers a great viewpoint throughout and, most importantly, is one that is purely soccer-specific – a lack of these is something that MLS has struggled with in its 25-year existence.
With the Banc of California Stadium now being a shining beacon in terms of MLS architecture, it will be viewed as the blueprint for all future franchise builds. When you spend an evening within its surroundings, you can begin to understand why.
Minnesota's addition to this illustrious list of MLS construction projects is only a year old, and in a similar vein to Los Angeles FC's previous offering, it has been built with the next decade of soccer fans in mind.
When compared to stadiums in Europe, the Allianz Field may pale into comparison. Still, it can at least stand on its own two feet in a particular aspect, and that aspect is the introduction of a safe standing area.
In addition to that, they have also implemented a steeply-angled supporters' section and, in doing so, it allows the craziest of their followers to make the most noise – noise that usually leads to assisting the team to another three points.
When building any new stadium, there is always something of a trade-off between sizeable structure and intimacy level. The more you have of the former, usually means the less there is of the latter.
Thankfully for groundhoppers visiting Orlando City, the designers seem to have achieved the balance perfect. Although the Florida-based venue is one of the more prominent locations in the MLS, it is far from being considered a soulless bowl.
Admittedly, the sweltering Floridian heat can be a nuisance at times, and even though the luscious palm trees do their best to take the sting out of it, it can be overwhelming for both players and attendees.
However, the site in which the Orlando City Stadium has been built is set for a significant gentrification project, and that will hopefully mean that there is not as much exposure to the near blistering sun on matchdays. Sun or not, though, this is undoubtedly one of the best venues the MLS has to offer.
Taking my son to his first football match was one of the best experiences I've had as a father so far. I've written this article for Alex to read when he gets older.
Tony Incenzo has been to over 2,000 football grounds - is he the world's barmiest football fan? Read about his love for Non-League football and groundhopping obsession, including watching a match in prison!
All good things have to come to an end, and the same unfortunately has to be said for football stadiums too. This article looks at the grounds which are soon to host their last match, the stadiums whose days are numbered and where fans will be watching their football from next.
An in-depth look at the biggest football attendances ever recorded, from the 1950 World Cup to pre-season friendlies in the States and the Scottish ground with dozens of 100,000+ attendances