Screenshots from WHITE STADIUM RENOVATION TECHNICAL PROPOSAL.
As previously reported by The Equalizer, Boston will be re-joining the NWSL sometime in the future. However, one of the main questions that the group faced at the time of the announcement was where the team would play. In late June, Boston Unity Soccer Partners LLC, the group of owners founding said NWSL team, submitted its proposal to update Boston’s White Stadium for the squad’s use as soon as the 2026 NWSL season.
The group, led by Boston native Jennifer Epstein, is made up of six women. Epstein founded Juno Equity and her family are co-owners and managing partners of the NBA’s Boston Celtics.
The proposal came in at 55 pages long, so The Equalizer is here to break it down for you.
The City of Boston initially asked for proposals for a lease of up to 10 years with potential renewals to improve and use White Stadium as part of a public-private partnership. The ability to renew the lease for two additional 10-year options was offered as well. The proposal from Boston Unity Soccer Partners LLC is the only submission.
Boston Unity’s proposal details plans for roughly 20 NWSL matches per season, as well as events for Boston Public Schools (BSP) and the City of Boston. At this time, the group only plans to hold one practice before each home game conditional on team and field scheduling. All other practices are expected to happen at the team’s future training facility.
The group’s proposal includes renovations to the existing West grandstand, improvements to the field, and the addition of a section called The Grove in the fenced-in areas South of the track. The Grove will have concessions, restrooms, bleacher storage and a flexible-use lawn.
The proposal also lays out a funding breakdown with the City of Boston renovating the East grandstand, and Boston Unity contributing funds for the roof cover for the East grandstand.
After all the renovations and additions, White Stadium will be used primarily for BPS athletics and special events, as well as NWSL matches. Retractable and mobile seating will transform the running track loop into additional seating areas and hide the track when the stadium is used for professional soccer. Mobile restrooms will be brought in and removed after games.
The development schedule for the 11,000-seat stadium begins in August 2023 and shows a completion goal of December 2025.
White Stadium is close to several public transportation options in the City of Boston including bus lines and multiple T lines. There are also numerous parking lots available nearby. The dedicated parking areas will be served by a shuttle bus so that the games are more accessible with limited traffic impact on the surrounding community. Shuttles from various MBTA stations nearby and remote parking lots will drop off and pick up near the stadium entrance
There is a community meeting on Thursday to continue talking about the future of White Stadium.
An NWSL spokesperson did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
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