FourFourTwo Magazine lists the top 20 best stadiums for soccer in the U.S. including the likes of Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Orlando City Stadium in Florida and numerous others. Our friends across the Willamette at the University of Portland and their beautifully intimate Merlo Field get a shout at No. 18 at the list as well.
Sitting atop the list, however, is our very own Providence Park.
"Portland is the league’s best example. With an MLS sellout string extending back to the team’s first league game, and NWSL attendance records that grow each season, Timbers and Thorns fans have spoken of their love for Providence Park. The Timbers’ season-ticket waiting list still extends into the five digits, with the atmosphere and camaraderie in Portland’s Goose Hollow home often as alluring as the soccer itself."
- READ: ESPNFC's MLS player poll has Portland with "best, most vocal home support"
- READ: Stadium Journey lists Providence Park as one of its best stadium experiences
The stadium enjoyed its 90th anniversary last year having seen the likes of college football, pro baseball, dog racing, ski-jumping, presidential visits, Elvis Presley, the final professional match of Pelé's career and much more all having graced the field in their time. But it is the combined unique and raucous atmosphere of Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC matches that provides the building's signature element of the present. It's an environment that not only puts Providence Park on the map in the U.S. as a soccer mecca but also places a marker on the international level as well.
"Sometimes, the experience is the best promotion. And no experience matches Providence Park’s."
Read the whole piece and see the full list over at FourFourTwo.
