D.C. United, a Major League Soccer team, is developing plans to introduce professional soccer to Baltimore through a new multi-team soccer campus, including a youth academy. The proposal aims to bring professional men’s and women’s soccer teams to the city, centered around a newly constructed stadium estimated to cost $200 million. This initiative is designed to expand soccer’s presence in Baltimore while engaging local youth in the sport.
Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott and D.C. United CEO Jason Levien jointly revealed the concept, which features a professional women’s team competing in the USL Super League, a men’s minor league team in the MLS Next Pro, and a youth academy. The project also counts NBA icon Carmelo Anthony, a Baltimore native, as one of its owners, signaling strong local ties and significant investment in the effort.
D.C. United is betting on Baltimore, and what bet is better than to bet on Baltimore?
Scott said.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to make sure professional soccer has a home here in Baltimore.
The teams are intended to fill a gap in outdoor professional soccer for Baltimore, which currently hosts the Baltimore Blast—a professional indoor soccer team playing in Towson but without an outdoor equivalent. Levien emphasized the historical and cultural significance of soccer in the area and the opportunity to introduce the sport to many local children.
Baltimore is a big part of the growth of soccer,
Levien said.
We have a great, rich tradition, and there are a lot of kids we want to expose to this sport.
Proposed Stadium Location and Campus Details
The stadium and soccer campus are set to be located at the Carroll Park Golf Course in southwest Baltimore. Maryland lawmakers have put forward legislation to allocate $217 million in state bonds to fund the stadium project. The site spans over 80 acres, providing ample space for the stadium, an academy, and support facilities.
Governor Wes Moore’s office has expressed enthusiasm about D.C. United’s plans and is actively tracking developments related to the bill funding the stadium. A spokesperson for the governor indicated interest in understanding potential revenue streams connected with the stadium’s construction.
Our office is monitoring the legislation that has been introduced, and look forward to learning more about potential revenue sources for the proposed soccer stadium,
Moore’s spokesperson said.
The campus vision includes a 40,000-square-foot academy building equipped with classrooms, locker rooms, a weight room, and a cafeteria, creating a comprehensive environment geared toward player development and education.
One of the reasons we love the Carroll Park site is the campus feel,
Levien explained.
It’s over 80 acres, so we’re going to put an academy, a 40,000-square-foot building that’s going to have classrooms, a weight room, locker rooms, a cafeteria, all of that on the site.
Upcoming MLS Match to Introduce Baltimore to Pro Soccer
Before the stadium opens, Baltimore will experience its first professional outdoor soccer event linked to this project. On March 7, an MLS regular-season game at M&T Bank Stadium will feature D.C. United competing against Miami CF, led by global soccer star Lionel Messi. The match, scheduled for 4:30 p.m., marks a significant moment for the city’s soccer community and will be highlighted by celebrations on what Mayor Scott has dubbed Bmore United Day.
In addition, D.C. United will host a community event at Baltimore’s Boys and Girls Club on March 4 to engage local youth ahead of the big game. Mayor Scott underscored the city’s passion for sports and unity, welcoming the arrival of professional soccer with optimism.
We are a sports town, we are a soccer town, and Baltimore is a city that knows how to rise together,
Mayor Scott said.
We are proud to welcome D.C. United and professional soccer to Baltimore next month.
Messi, who hails from Argentina, is regarded as one of soccer’s greatest players, boasting over 890 goals and 400 assists across his club career and international play. His accolades include leading Argentina to a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics and securing the 2022 World Cup title.
Recent International Soccer Events in Maryland
Earlier in 2024, Maryland hosted another high-profile soccer event when English Premier League teams Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers faced off at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. Crystal Palace won the match 3-1. The visiting squad also engaged with Baltimore by training at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, attending an Orioles baseball game, and meeting fans.
Potential Impact of the Baltimore Soccer Initiative
The launch of a professional soccer hub in Baltimore represents a substantial stride toward strengthening the sport’s presence in the city, providing opportunities for both athletes and fans. The integration of youth development facilities alongside professional teams is expected to foster talent and inspire community involvement. With strong public and private support, including significant investment from notable figures like Carmelo Anthony and backing from local and state officials, this project aims to become a landmark for Baltimore’s sporting landscape.
The success of the MLS event featuring Lionel Messi could catalyze enthusiasm and momentum, heightening anticipation for the completion of the Carroll Park stadium and the full soccer campus. As the legislation progresses and construction plans advance, Baltimore residents are poised to experience a new era of professional soccer—a development with the potential to reshape the city’s identity as a vibrant sports town.
