White Stadium Project History
White Stadium was constructed in 1945 in the Playstead area of Franklin Park. Since then, it has served as a home for many Boston athletes and community members.
Unfortunately, today the stadium is in a state of disrepair and in need of revitalization. It does not meet current codes or accessibility requirements. It also lacks the spaces and amenities needed to be a citywide resource for Boston Public Schools (BPS) athletics. The City and BPS envision revitalizing White Stadium as a centerpiece of BPS athletics. We are planning a significant investment in the stadium and athletic facilities.
In 2023, we launched an updated needs assessment of the facility. The assessment found that many spaces need to be improved and expanded. Improvements will include an expanded staff office, a modernized press box, improved locker rooms, and an eight-lane track. New BPS programming may also include a strength and conditioning suite, a gymnasium, an indoor turf field, a community space, and a student resource space.
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Background Information
Who is Boston Unity Soccer Partners?
Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BUSP) is a professional sports enterprise founded and led by women, and dedicated to promoting women’s sports and advancement at all levels. BUSP is committed to:
- creating a home for the greatest female athletes of our time
- building upon the supercharged legacy of Boston’s historic sports teams
- cultivating a community of fans with impact at our core, and
- forging new connections across our city through sport.
How did the City select Boston Unity as a partner?
The City issued a request for proposals in April 2023 for a public-private partnership to reimagine and reinvest in White Stadium. The City received one response to the RFP from Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BUSP) that was reviewed at a community meeting in July.
Per the evaluation committee’s recommendation, the City designated Boston Unity Soccer Partners LLC (BUSP) as the Preferred Proposer for the lease of the White Stadium West Grandstand and Adjacent Areas. A designation is the first step which allows the City to enter into negotiations with the selected partner. It is the beginning of a design and programming process, not the end.
Since designating Boston Unity, the City has held a series of community engagements on critical items like transportation, community benefits, and investments in Franklin Park. The ultimate agreement between the City and Boston Unity will incorporate the community’s feedback, needs, and priorities.
Why pursue a public-private partnership? What resources is the City committing to this project?
The project is funded in part by a unique public-private partnership with the Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BUSP), a professional women’s soccer team, and a major philanthropic campaign kicking off in 2024. The White Stadium renovation will provide BPS student athletes and coaches with beautiful new facilities.
Due to the size of investment needed to renovate the stadium, in April 2023, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to lease a portion of the stadium in a public-private partnership. A potential partner would contribute to renovation and maintenance costs, pay rent, and provide community benefits.
The RFP required proposals to meet the City's vision and goals:
- Enhance and compliment BPS's athletic programs.
- Contribute to the activation and usability of Franklin Park in line with the values and aspirations of the Franklin Park Action Plan.
- Contribute to the economic development of Boston and the communities surrounding Franklin Park.
- Respects the impacts that activation can have on those who live, work, and play around the Stadium.
- Addresses transportation needs. The proposal should minimize the congestion on nearby residential streets and maximize use of public transportation.
What is the capital investment from Boston Unity? Is it more than 50% the total investment for renovation and expansion?
Boston Unity is proposing to cover the capital costs needed to renovate the West Grandstand to support their needs as a professional soccer team and to pay annual rent to the City. Boston Unity estimates that their construction costs will be at least $30 million. The total construction costs for the City’s proposed project for the East Grandstand have not been finalized, so we cannot say what Boston Unity’s percentage of the total White Stadium renovations will be.
What Designation Means
A designation is the first step that allows the City to enter into lease negotiations with the selected partner. It is the beginning of a design and programming process, not the end. The City will continue to host community sessions on critical items so the lease incorporates community needs and priorities.
The goal for this public-private partnership is to reimagine White Stadium as a hub for BPS athletics and a treasure of the local community. The partnership will also bring a professional women’s soccer team to Boston. The lease area represents 14% of the total space that will remain BPS owned. We are committed to centering opportunities for BPS students and the surrounding community through this partnership.
RFP Designation Materials
RFP Designation Materials-
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