The National Times - Boston Legacy FC Delays White Stadium Debut to 2028

Boston Legacy FC will begin playing at the rebuilt White Stadium in Franklin Park in 2028, a timeline that extends one year beyond the club’s initial projections. The announcement comes shortly after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued a ruling clearing the final legal obstacles for the project, allowing construction to proceed without further litigation.

The team confirmed it will continue its home schedule through next season at Centerville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The 10,500-seat venue has already hosted two sold-out matches for the franchise this year. Legacy FC has also utilized Gillette Stadium for select home games during its tenure.

Jennifer Epstein, the controlling owner of Boston Legacy FC, emphasized that the court’s decision provided the necessary stability to finalize plans. "With certainty now in place, we are excited to continue building our club and our community together at Centreville Bank Stadium in 2027, while keeping our eyes on what has always been the destination: bringing Boston Legacy FC home to White Stadium," Epstein said. She expressed gratitude to fans, partners, the City of Boston, and Boston Public Schools for their support.

Construction activity at the Franklin Park site continues despite the recent legal challenges. City officials report that workers are present six days a week, focusing on the installation of major structural steel and improvements to underground utilities. The stadium’s roof systems, flooring, and other architectural elements are currently being completed.

Mayor Michelle Wu stated last week that the project remains on budget and is advancing according to established milestones. "I get the weekly updates and things have been going very smoothly," Wu told reporters. "We’re now seeing the steel go up and… we’re seeing things proceed just as had been planned. Being done with the legal chapter of this does allow us to accelerate and really focus on planning out the programming, ensuring that community members are involved in every step of the way in final details."

The renovated White Stadium will feature 10,500 permanent seats, a high-quality natural grass playing surface, and modern amenities designed to create an intimate atmosphere for spectators. While the team will primarily train at its Performance Center in Brockton, the stadium’s design aims to enhance public access and community programming.

According to the club, the project will triple public access hours from 35 per week to 105 per week. Additionally, Boston Public Schools programming is expected to double from approximately 250 hours annually to 700 hours annually. Epstein described the stadium as a "world-class home for professional women’s soccer and youth sports" intended to serve families and communities for generations.

L.Johnson--TNT