The USL has recently applied for first division status in the United States. However, one glaring issue that stands out to do so is a arbitrary rule requiring all first division clubs to have at least 15,000 seats in their stadium.
while looking at some of the USL‘s biggest successes like Sacramento, Louisville, Detroit, Indianapolis, New Mexico, Orange County and others this arbitrary rule only dims their bright atmosphere and does not conform to their averages. Anyone who has ever been to a Detroit, Louisville or Sacramento game can tell you that the atmosphere is one of the best parts of being at those games. Being able to experience a true soccer culture in those markets is what helps grow the game.
Now, At first glance, some may argue that this requirement is reasonable, citing the large arenas of the NBA and NFL. However, soccer operates differently. Some of the world’s biggest clubs and leagues thrive in stadiums well under 15,000 seats.
Smaller Stadiums in Europe’s Top Leagues:
England :
• Kenilworth Road (Luton Town): 10,356 seats.
Notable:
• Highbury Stadium (Fleetwood Town): 5,327 seats.
• Lamex Stadium (Stevenage): 6,722 seats.
• Gander Green Lane (Sutton United): 5,032 seats.
• The Peninsula Stadium (Salford City): 5,108 seats.
Spain (La Liga):
• Estadio Municipal de Butarque (CD Leganés): 11,454 seats.
• Estadi Montilivi (Girona FC): 14,624 seats.
Norway (Eliteserien):
• Aspmyra Stadion (FK Bodø/Glimt): 7,354 seats.
Scotland (Scottish Premiership):
• Global Energy Stadium (Ross County): 6,541 seats.
Denmark:
• Lyngby Stadion (Lyngby BK): 10,000 seats.
• Viborg Stadion (Viborg FF): 10,000 seats.
• JYSK Park (Silkeborg IF): 10,000 seats.
France :
• Stade François Coty (AC Ajaccio): 12,096 seats.
• Stade de la Source (US Orléans): 7,000 seats.
• Stade Guy Piriou (US Concarneau): 6,500 seats.
• Stade Paul-Lignon (Rodez AF): 5,955 seats.
• Stade Bauer (Red Star FC): 5,600 seats.
Turkey (Süper Lig):
• Pendik Stadium (Pendikspor): 8,000 seats.
Faroe Islands (Betrideildin):
• Tórsvøllur (Faroe Islands National Team): 6,000 seats.
Hungary (Nemzeti Bajnokság I):
• Pancho Arena (Puskás Akadémia FC): 3,816 seats.
Belgium (Pro League):
• Stade Joseph Marien (Union Saint-Gilloise): 9,400 seats.
• Versluys Arena (KV Oostende): 8,400 seats.
• Den Dreef (Oud-Heverlee Leuven): 10,020 seats.
Azerbaijan (Premier League):
• Azersun Arena (Qarabağ FK): 5,800 seats.
Sweden (Allsvenskan):
• Nya Studenternas IP (IK Sirius): 10,000 seats.
• Linköping Arena (Linköping FC): 8,500 seats.
Italy (Serie A):
• Stadio Benito Stirpe (Frosinone Calcio): 16,227 seats.
• Stadio Alberto Picco (Spezia Calcio): 10,336 seats.
Croatia (Prva HNL):
• Stadion Kantrida (HNK Rijeka): 10,600 seats.
The Reality of Soccer Finances
The assumption that financial success is tied to stadium size is flawed. Soccer clubs generate revenue primarily through player transfers, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights, not ticket sales. Clubs like Ajax, Benfica, and Porto thrive by selling young talent, often outperforming larger clubs in financial sustainability. In contrast, Barcelona and Inter Milan have faced financial turmoil despite their massive venues.
A club’s success also depends on atmosphere, which suffers in oversized, half-empty stadiums. A packed 7,000-10,000 seat stadium provides a better fan experience than a mostly empty 15,000-seat one. Forcing clubs to expand too soon can weaken local support rather than strengthen it.
Instead of rigid seating requirements, U.S. Soccer should prioritize sustainability, youth development, and market-driven growth. Modern stadiums in 2025 are no longer just about seats—they integrate family attractions for day games , lounges for night, and even VR experiences.
If smaller European clubs can thrive in intimate venues, American teams deserve the same opportunity. Soccer will grow naturally when clubs develop organically rather than being forced into unnecessary expansion.
T.T. DesRois
