Cleveland Soccer Group has revealed fresh renderings for its proposed South Gateway Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue aimed at bringing professional men’s and women’s soccer teams to Northeast Ohio by 2026. If approved, the $50 million stadium will be constructed in the South Gateway district, directly across from Progressive Field. Initially set to hold 10,000 spectators, the stadium’s capacity could expand to 12,500 and eventually 20,000 in future development phases.
The Cleveland Soccer Group emphasized that the venue would serve as the home for both men’s and women’s professional soccer teams. In 2022, the city secured an MLS Next Pro expansion team, further solidifying Cleveland’s growing presence in the sport.
Promising Future
Despite an unsuccessful bid for a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team last year, officials confirmed Tuesday that a women’s professional soccer team is now officially secured, with further details to be shared in the coming weeks. Additionally, fans will play a role in shaping the identities of both teams, including their names, colors, and uniforms, with announcements expected 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,” said 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.”
The stadium is still awaiting final approval, but officials say it has already drawn enthusiasm from local stakeholders. If greenlit, the project would be developed on 14 acres 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,” said 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.”
Bringing Major Events to Cleveland
South Gateway Stadium is expected to host over 60 events annually, including professional soccer matches and other major sporting events.
“Cleveland State University, St. Edward High School, and St. Ignatius High School have all expressed interest in hosting events at the stadium,” Murphy noted. “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 venue’s adaptable design could attract emerging professional leagues, including women’s rugby.
“Cleveland’s South Gateway Stadium offers an ideal setting for Women’s Elite Rugby,” said 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 Boost for the Whole Region
An economic impact study commissioned by the Cleveland Soccer Group projects that the South Gateway Stadium could generate more than $2.4 billion in total economic activity throughout its 12-month construction phase and first 30 years of operation. The project is also anticipated to contribute over $200 million in new tax revenues for Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and the state of Ohio.
The construction phase is estimated to create 473 jobs, with 254 permanent positions once the stadium is fully 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,” said 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.”
While the stadium still requires final approval, the enthusiasm from local leaders and sports organizations indicates a promising future for professional soccer in Cleveland.