Boston Legacy FC Provide Update on Transportation Plans
There will be no onsite parking
Boston Legacy FC and the city provided a few updates to their game day transportation plans on Wednesday.
The most notable part of the plan remains set in stone: no on-site parking. To remedy this, the city and team are aiming to make transportation to White Stadium as easy as possible for fans.
The team will provide free shuttles from satellite parking lots, which have not been named but will be “located outside the city.” Transportation consultants have said the locations will be chosen closer to 2026 in previous community meetings.
MBTA users exiting the Ruggles and Forest Hills orange line stations, or the JFK/UMass red line stop will also be able to use shuttles to get to the stadium. Shuttles will provide drop-off and pick-up services two hours before kickoff until one hour after the games end. There will be two shuttle drop-off locations, one north of the stadium near Walnut Avenue and Park Lane, and one to the south at the Valley Gates parking lot on Circuit Drive.
BLFC expects 40 percent of spectators to use public transportation and is exploring ways to incentivize sustainable transport, which could include in-stadium discounts. It is also proposing a “Ride with the Team” campaign that would show players, staff, and fans on different transit modes.
Game attendees will be required to select how they will get to the stadium at ticket checkout. They will then receive a confirmation email with detailed guidance based on their chosen travel option. This data will also be used to help organize game-day operations and traffic management.
The Legacy will provide free bike valet for up to 1,000 bikes on match days, and fund a new Bluebikes station near the stadium. Fifteen permanent bike racks will also be installed throughout Franklin Park.
Pedestrian safety is another priority under review. Part of the renovation will include new signage and walkway lighting leading to the stadium to improve safety and navigation.
Though not encouraged, a rideshare and drop-off lot will be located nearby on Seaver Street.
Wheelchair accessible vehicle carts will be available for those who need assistance getting to and from the park drop-off areas and the stadium.
The residential parking portion of the plan has been amended many times after extensive conversations over several community meetings. The Boston Transportation Department (BTD) established a walkshed of streets near White Stadium that will be resident permit parking only on game days, starting four hours before kickoff and ending one hour after the game finishes.
Each vehicle registered to an address within the walkshed will receive one permit sticker, and each household will receive one visitor parking placard, which can be used by guests on game days.
A common point of contention among residents was the single visitor pass. The city’s current solution is to have residents request a block party permit if they are hosting (non-game related) gatherings that would require additional parking. Parking violations may result in $100 fines and towing.
BTD officers will be stationed within the walkshed to enforce parking rules and manage traffic. BLFC’s traffic ambassadors and on-site staff will also assist fans with getting to the stadium.
The Legacy will cover upgrades at main intersections to reduce congestion and install signal controller units with video monitoring systems to allow for real-time traffic adjustments.
While spectators will not be able to park on site, people visiting Franklin Park, the zoo, or the William J. Devine Golf Course two hours before kickoff until one hour past the end of the game will be required to reserve a free parking spot through the ParkBoston application. It is still unclear how BTD will verify passive recreational park use.
As traffic management plans evolve, the city and team will work toward improving efficiency and communicating with other city departments on best practices. The city will establish the White Stadium Neighborhood Advisory Committee, co-chaired by BLFC, Boston Public Schools Athletics, and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, to ensure accountability. The committee will include park advocates, local residents, and other neighborhood leaders; they will continually review stadium operations and serve as community liaisons.
The plans are not final and the two groups are requesting feedback from the community; comments are open through Friday, May 23.
Oh dear God.