Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Gives White Stadium Update

City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu held a press conference at Franklin Park to give updates on the current state of White Stadium.

The stadium – which was originally set to be complete by the start of the 2026 NWSL season – is now slated to open by summer of 2027. The new completion date would land in the middle of Boston Legacy FC’s season, though the city expects the field to be playable by the start of next season. The Legacy did not immediately respond to questions about contingency plans or how ongoing construction would affect game-day operations next year.

Now that the public procurement and bidding process is finalized, Wu revealed the final construction cost for the city is $135 million, a 175 percent increase from the original $50 million price tag. The Boston Legacy will pay $190 million for its half of the stadium, bringing the total project cost to $325 million.

Inflation and federal tariffs contributed to the updated cost, as well as modifying the project based on community feedback to make it “better, and therefore more expensive.” Wu explained that one of the main features that added to the cost was the grass field. 

“We really want to max out what the full professional-grade grass field will be able to sustain,” she said during the conference, noting that the team will pay for maintenance. Maintenance will include installing a SubAir system beneath the field, which will assist with moisture control, drainage, and promote root growth.

Construction

Demolition and abatement are already complete. Sub-surface utility and foundation work, including upgraded power, water, and telecommunications infrastructure is underway and expected to be finished by the fall of this year. Vertical construction on both sides of the stadium will commence at the end of March.

Transportation

City administration did not provide specific transportation updates, but community meetings will be held in Spring 2026 to discuss the latest plan, according to the city website. 

The current working plan, which was last updated in April 2025, includes resident parking only areas, shuttles from MBTA stations and satellite parking lots, and no on-site spectator parking.

New Community Benefits

The city and club announced the creation of a Boston Public Schools athletic fund, which will provide uniforms, equipment, transportation, and training, among other resources. The city will allocate money from revenue sharing funds.

The stadium lease obligates BLFC to share revenue from in-stadium advertising, naming rights, and concessions.