Stadiums of Major League Rugby 2023

The sixth season of Major League Rugby saw one of the league’s most impressive venues take its first steps in record-setting fashion on opening weekend. Snapdragon Stadium will be joined by two more new venues over the next couple weekends. All 12 teams will call one location their home this year.

 

 

SeatGeek Stadium
Bridgeview, Illinois

Opened: 2006
Capacity: 20,000
Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass
MLR Debut: March 5, 2023
MLR Games: 0

Formerly known as Toyota Park, the new home for MLR’s only expansion side in 2023 was originally built to accomodate the Chicago Fire pro soccer side. It has hosted six rugby games dating back to 2007, the most recent in November 2016 when the Eagles hosted the Māori. MLR arrives in Week 3.

 

 

Choctaw Stadium
Arlington, Texas

Opened: 1994
Capacity: 4,800
Surface: Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass
MLR Debut: February 9, 2022
MLR Games: 9

The former home of the Texas Rangers was previously known as Globe Life Park. After featuring beautiful rugby lines exclusively last season, the pitch has now been desecrated by football lines used by the XFL. The maximum stadium capacity is over 40,000 but the pitch-side section currently assigned for rugby games totals 4,860 with some additional standing room.

 

 

AVEVA Stadium
Houston, Texas

Opened: 2019
Capacity: 4,000
Surface: Natural Grass
MLR Debut: April 13, 2019
MLR Games: 24

The first purpose-build rugby stadium constructed by an MLR side opened its doors part-way through the 2019 season. With its natural grass surface now settled it is among the league’s most popular venues. It currently features a seating capacity of 3,200 with another 800 standing. The phased construction allows plenty of room for expansion.

 

 

Veterans Memorial Stadium
Quincy, Massachusetts

Opened: 1938
Capacity: 5,000
Surface: FieldTurf
MLR Debut: July 18, 2021
MLR Games: 10

Affectionately referred to as ‘Fort Quincy’ by the Free Jacks faithful, the club has quickly made the venue their own. Previously used for lacrosse, the team has recently breathed new life into the turf by painting over the grid and putting on clean rugby-specific lines.

 

 

Memorial Field
Mount Vernon, New York

Re-Opened: 2022
Capacity: 3,900
Surface: Synthetic Turf
MLR Debut: February 26, 2023
MLR Games: 0

The search for an ideal home continues but the Ironworkers will at least have some new facilities to look forward to his season. Originally dedicated in 1931, the stadium was derelict from 2008 until this past fall when it re-opened. It will make its debut this coming Sunday afternoon.

 

 

The Gold Mine
New Orleans, Louisiana

Opened: 1997
Capacity: 10,000
Surface: Natural Grass
MLR Debut: February 8, 2020
MLR Games: 22

Also known as The Shrine on Airline, formerly Zephyr Field. This is a baseball stadium that was re-purposed for rugby in 2020 with the Gold its only current tenants. The move to Metairie has proved a significant upgrade from the former location at Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero.

 

 

Segra Field
Leesburg, Virginia

Opened: 2019
Capacity: 5,000
Surface: FieldTurf
MLR Debut: March 27, 2021
MLR Games: 17

Also the home of local soccer team Loudoun United, the stadium is an ideal size for Old Glory but the location is problematic. Strong attendance at the team’s indoor practice facility during the preseason suggests there could be a bigger turnout if Leesburg can just get some warmer weather.

 

 

Silverbacks Park
Atlanta, Georgia

Opened: 2004
Capacity: 5,000
Surface: FieldTurf
MLR Debut: February 5, 2022
MLR Games: 10

The brand change during the offseason has sadly seen the demise of ‘The Snake Pit’ nickname, but ATL has now committed to staying at Silverbacks Park for the long-term. Cold weather also took its toll on attendance numbers on opening night this past weekend.

 

 

Snapdragon Stadium
San Diego, California

Opened: 2022
Capacity: 35,000
Surface: Natural Grass
MLR Debut: February 18, 2023
MLR Games: 1

The league could hardly have wished for a better welcoming to this stunning new facility. A record 11,423 turned out on opening day, one of the most memorable events in MLR history. Only a portion, around 40%, of the maximum capacity was made available for purchase against Utah.

 

 

Starfire Stadium
Tukwila, Washington

Opened: 2005
Capacity: 4,500
Surface: FieldTurf
MLR Debut: April 22, 2018
MLR Games: 34

It’s a sixth season for one of only two original venues remaining. No field has hosted more games than the home of the Seawolves. The venue was once again packed for the home opener. Owner Adrian Balfour recently confirmed that a move to a revamped Memorial Stadium might be in the club’s future. In the meantime expansion options at Starfire are being explored.

 

 

 

York Lions Stadium
Toronto, Ontario

Opened: 2015
Capacity: 4,000
Surface: FieldTurf
MLR Debut: April 2, 2022
MLR Games: 7

The team has settled into their new home which features a full size pitch which is certified FIFA Quality Pro. York’s facilities were also spruced up and the stands sit much closer to the pitch now that the track has been removed. It’s not located downtown, but it is easily accessible via the subway.

 

 

Zions Bank Stadium
Herriman, Utah

Opened: 2018
Capacity: 5,000
Surface: Artificial Turf
MLR Debut: May 5, 2018
MLR Games: 28

The second ‘original’ facility still in operation, Utah’s home pitch offers a unique view of the nearby mountain range. Located at the south-west of Salt Lake County, it is part of Real Salt Lake’s academy complex and also serves as a home for the pro soccer side’s development team Real Monarchs.