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With the rest of the country waking up to the fact that soccer is indeed making great strides in America, let’s point this month’s feature stadium to that sport. The lower divisions of the NASL and USL-Pro have seen a steady increase of soccer-specific stadiums as both cities and fans try to show the MLS that their community deserves a spot in the top tier. The Indy Eleven and Sacramento Republic have shown that with stellar attendance, while in San Antonio, the Scorpions continue drawing well in their second season and have an expandable, yet already decent stadium to boot.
Toyota Field features over 8,000 seats and can be expanded should MLS come calling. The intimate stadium has seats that are very close to the pitch and it also includes decent open space and fan zone areas where the crowd can gather behind each net. All the requisite club and suite locations are taken care of as well. Various architectural elements also help to provide that local and personal touch. My one gripe is where is the roof? Only the west end is covered (and would be the only one if future design renderings are correct) and I would think more would want some shade from that typically hot Texas sun. Hopefully, they just have night games.
Truly making this a stadium to visit is the special cause that the team and stadium benefit. All profits from the Scorpions help to fund Morgan’s Wonderland, a theme park designed and free for this with special needs. Gordon Hartman opened the park a few years ago and it has been a resounding success, bringing joy to those visiting. Know that when you attend a game, you are also helping fund a great cause for terrific people.
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Stadium and Arena Visits 