Soccer in the City!

A look inside STL’s newest sports team and their brand–new downtown stadium.

By Maya Brenningmeyer

St. Louis is a sports city! From an eleven-time world series winning baseball team to an all-star hockey team, there’s no question that St. Louisans know sports. That’s why it’s no surprise that St. Louis is the site of a brand new American men’s soccer club - St. Louis City SC.

The team’s home opener takes place on March 4, 2023, at their home base, Citypark. Located in Downtown West, this open-air stadium seats approximately 22,500 people inside its below-street-level stadium bowl. The stadium features entrances on all sides and is less than 250 feet from Union Station. With this set-up, soccer fans will get an even closer look at the action and can support their favorite team in St. Louis City SC’s signature red, navy blue and yellow.

The team, who will compete in Major League Soccer as a member of the Western Conference, represents Missouri’s regional landmarks through their crest, featuring the Gateway Arch and two lines symbolizing the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The team’s partnership with Citypark will focus on developing community health and wellness programs. St. Louis City SC will play between 17 to 20 regular season games at the stadium, as well as up to 3 exhibition games each year. When the team is away, Citypark continues to stay open as a venue for high school and college sporting events, tournaments, soccer camps and even corporate events. St. Louis’s love for soccer doesn’t stop at the professional level. The city is also known as one of the youth soccer capitals of the United States. With a wide variety of select and recreational soccer programs, there are options for every soccer fanatic to learn more about the sport. For those just starting, recreational programs are great for getting your feet wet and learning more about the sport. For soccer players who are looking to get more serious, select teams often offer a more challenging soccer environment. In select soccer leagues, players are required to try out and are required to travel for tournaments or games. Soccer is making its mark in the Gateway City and we are so excited to see what the sport brings in 2023! Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or participating in your own soccer league, the sport is opening doors for St. Louisans to get active and celebrate their city.