If you are a soccer fan and you happen to be in Frisco, Texas, then you will definitely want to catch the action at the Toyota Stadium in this Dallas suburb.
Toyota Stadium is also the home stadium of FC Dallas, so fans living far away from Frisco may travel all the way there to catch their favorite soccer club in action.
Learn more about the history and other interesting facts about this stadium.
History
Toyota Stadium opened on August 6, 2005, to the tune of approximately $80 million. The stadium hosted its first match pitting the FC Dallas and the Metrostars, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Previously, FC Dallas played their home matches at the multi-purpose Cotton Bowl Stadium, which is much bigger than the Toyota Stadium.
Toyota Stadium has the shape of the letter “U” with stands at three ends and a permanent covered stage at the fourth for hosting concerts. Its design is quite similar to SeatGeek Stadium located near Chicago, which opened a year after Toyota Stadium. It seats 20,500 spectators.
The permanent covered stage at the fourth end was included with initial expectations that the stadium would draw more crowds and increase revenues by holding mid-sized concerts. However, the design proved to be unpopular. Many Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs did not like the idea of building permanent stages in subsequent new stadiums, making Toyota Stadium’s design look dated.
In 2017, reconstruction work began on an extensive renovation of the stadium’s south stand. The reconstruction also included increasing hospitality facilities and the construction of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. The project, which was completed in 2018, cost around $55 million.
There have been calls from soccer club fans to have the stadium added with roof structures as shades from the brutal Texas heat, but such plans are postponed until future renovation projects.
Naming
From August 2005 until January 2012, the stadium was named Pizza Hut Park after its sponsor, Pizza. Then it was renamed FC Dallas Stadium. In 2013, the FC Dallas inked a deal with Gulf States Toyota Distributors (whose headquarters are located in Houston) to rename the studio Toyota Stadium.
National Soccer Hall of Fame
The construction of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, together with other renovations works at the stadium, were completed in 2018. It has two main areas: the NSHOF Experience and the NSHOF Club. The NSHOF Experience consists of a museum and an area where the Hall of Fame induction is regularly held. The NSHOF Club, on the other hand, has a specialty seating for season ticket holders for all FC Dallas home matches and a multi-purpose event space.
Some notable events
The Toyota Stadium has held numerous soccer and football (American football, that is) matches, including some notable ones:
- NCAA Men’s College Cup (December 2008) – The season ended with Maryland defeating North Carolina in the finals.
- Starting in 2010, the stadium became the new “home” of the NCAA Division Football Championship. The contract, which was originally expected to expire in 2012, has been extended three times.
- An exhibition match between FC Dallas and Inter Milan (August 5, 2010) – It ended with a 2-2 draw. This match attracted a crowd of 21,193, which was a record at the time.
- The inaugural men’s soccer tournament of the American Athletic Conference (2013).
- The 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifier.The 2016 Men’s Olympic Qualifying Playoff between the USA and Colombia.
How to get to Toyota Stadium
Toyota Stadium is located in the city of Frisco, 25 miles north of downtown Dallas. It lies adjacent to the North Dallas Tollway, which originates in downtown Dallas. Follow north and go to the exit at Main St. and Cotton Gin Rd.
Address:
9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, TX 75034
Keep yourself updated on the upcoming events at the Toyota Stadium!
Website:
The webpage is on the FC Dallas website: https://www.fcdallas.com/stadium/
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ToyotaStadium
Instagram:
@toyotastadium
