MLS Franchises Lead the Charge in Sustainable Stadium Design

Major League Soccer is redefining sustainability in sports. While European teams grapple with outdated stadiums, MLS franchises embrace eco-friendly designs from the ground up. Atlanta United FC's Mercedes-Benz Stadium leads the charge. Opened in 2017, it boasts 70,000 seats and has earned LEED Platinum certification—the highest in North America. Over 4,000 solar panels generate 1.6 million kilowatt hours annually, powering major events with renewable energy. The venue also features energy-efficient systems and a 680,000-gallon rainwater cistern for irrigation and cooling.

Los Angeles FC's BMO Stadium, opened in 2018, exemplifies this trend with LEED Gold certification. More than 97 percent of demolition debris was diverted from landfills during its construction. Both stadiums showcase how MLS is setting a new standard for sustainable sports infrastructure, making strides that European counterparts are yet to match.