If approved, the $50 million stadium will be built across the street from Progressive Field in the South Gateway district.
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Soccer Group has released an updated rendering of its proposed South Gateway Stadium, a new professional soccer venue set to bring both men’s and women’s teams to Northeast Ohio in 2026.
If approved, the $50 million stadium will be built across the street from Progressive Field in the South Gateway district, with an initial capacity of 10,000 seats, expandable to 12,500 and 20,000 in future phases.
According to the Cleveland Soccer Group, the “state-of-the-art venue” will be home to both men’s and women’s professional soccer teams. In 2022, Cleveland previously landed an MLS Next Pro expansion team.
MOVING FORWARD
Although Cleveland’s bid for a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team was unsuccessful last year, officials confirmed Tuesday that a women’s professional team has been secured. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition, fans are being asked to be involved in developing both teams’ identities, with official team names, colors, kits and timelines being announced in the coming months.
“We’re incredibly excited to continue the momentum we’ve built over the past few years and bring professional soccer to Cleveland,” says Michael Murphy, Co-Founder & CEO of Cleveland Soccer Group. “While we haven’t yet broken ground, we’ve done our homework, we have site control through our Metroparks partner, and we’re proud to share the support we’ve garnered from local institutions, businesses, and fans. This stadium represents an exciting opportunity for Cleveland’s future, and we’re committed to making it a reality.”
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While the stadium is still awaiting final approval, officials say it has already generated excitement from local stakeholders. If approved, the project would be developed on 14 acres of land in partnership with Cleveland Metroparks.
“As we move forward, we’re excited to continue working alongside CSG to ensure this project complements our mission to connect people with the outdoors and downtown Cleveland,” says Brian M. Zimmerman, CEO of Cleveland Metroparks. “We’re encouraged by the vision for the South Gateway Stadium and its potential to transform this underutilized area into a vibrant, community-focused space.”
POTENTIAL EVENTS
The stadium is expected to host more than 60 events per year, including professional soccer matches and high-profile sporting events.
“Cleveland State University, St. Edward High School, and St. Ignatius High School have all expressed interest in hosting events at the stadium,” says Murphy. “We’ve also spoken to organizations such as U.S. Soccer, the Mid-American Conference (MAC), and Cleveland Municipal School District’s Senate League about potential opportunities to host major sporting events. This stadium will offer these institutions and the wider community access to a top-tier facility, helping to elevate local sports and events to a new level.”
Additionally, the stadium’s flexible design could attract new professional leagues, including a women’s professional rugby team
“Cleveland’s South Gateway Stadium offers an ideal setting for Women’s Elite Rugby,” says Jessica Hammond-Graf, President of Women’s Elite Rugby. “The venue’s flexible design and 10,000-seat capacity will create an intimate yet exciting atmosphere for our fans. With Cleveland’s growing support for women’s sports, this stadium provides the perfect platform for Women’s Elite Rugby to expand its reach and foster new opportunities for female athletes.”
ECONOMIC IMPACT
According to an economic impact study obtained by the Cleveland Soccer Group, South Gateway Stadium could generate over $2.4 billion in total economic activity during the 12-month construction phase and the first 30 years of operation.
In addition, the stadium is expected to produce more than $200 million in new tax revenues for Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and the state of Ohio.
During construction, the project is estimated to create 473 jobs, with 254 permanent jobs once the stadium is operational.
“Having a state-of-the-art, right-sized facility to host professional men’s and women’s soccer will be a game changer for Cleveland,” says David Gilbert, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland. “The South Gateway Stadium has the potential to ignite soccer fandom in this region on a scale we’ve never seen before, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect—right on the heels of the World Cup.”