An 8,000-seat venue is planned for downtown Albany.
Owners of professional soccer league MLS Next Pro are eyeing Albany as a franchise candidate as the league expands. Along with the team, his new 8,000-seat state-of-the-art soccer stadium could be built downtown.
League president Charles Alczek told the Times Union:
The metropolitan area has been on our attention for some time. From a market perspective, we didn't need to be convinced.
So where will the stadium be built? Liberty Square area. Most are called “parking areas.” Developers said the venue could also be used for other events, such as hosting concerts that would be too small for MVP Arena or a SPAC. Construction of the stadium itself will cost approximately $75 million.
Business for Good founders Ed and Lisa Mitzen are spearheading the project in partnership with other investors and developers Jeff Buell and Chris Splaragen. Mitzen has said he hopes to have the stadium built in time for the 2026 season, when the U.S. hosts the World Cup, but that potential timeline is up for debate.
There are 29 teams in the MLS league across the country.
If built, the franchise and stadium would undoubtedly reshape downtown Albany. The video below shows a rendering developed by Re4orm Architecture.