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 a NWSL expansion team, the stadium offered the ideal location for the team’s home. Franklin Park is conveniently located near the Green Street and Forest Hills Orange Line stops and is easily accessible by walking and biking.

A visionary partnership

“This project is a visionary partnership between the City of Boston, the Boston Public Schools, and Boston Unity Soccer Partners to leverage the significant investment of a professional women’s soccer team to benefit generations of Boston public schoolchildren,” said Tamara Roy, principal at Stantec.

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.

Continuing to serve the Boston community

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. Primarily host to BPS’ track and field events, the stadium is also used for youth and high school soccer. The new eight-lane track will be covered, and temporary seating will be added during professional use. The field will be natural grass.

 A coordinated effort with the city to improve user experience

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. 

The project received board approval from the City of Boston Planning Department on July 18 and demolition approval from the City of Boston Parks Commission August 12. Construction is expected to be substantially completed by March of 2026.

Learn more about Stantec’s design of sports and recreation facilities.