Is a soccer stadium for the New England Revolution coming to Everett?
EVERETT - Will the New England Revolution be moving closer to Boston? An old power plant in Everett could become the site of a new soccer stadium for the team.
State lawmakers will consider a supplemental budget this week that paves the way for the complex. The property sits on 43 acres of land along the Mystic River near the Encore Casino. The development also includes dining and entertaining venues.
Right now, the area is considered by the state to be a "designated port area," limiting what can be built on the waterfront. An amendment filed Monday in the Senate would remove that designation, "for the purpose of converting the parcel into a professional soccer stadium and a waterfront park."
Since 1996 the Revolution have shared Gillette Stadium in Foxboro with the New England Patriots, which are both owned by Robert Kraft.
According to a Memorandum of Agreement released by the city of Everett, community benefits of the stadium project could include a public park, $10 million for housing stabilization and an agreement to let soccer teams and band programs in Everett use the stadium.
Some Everett residents welcome the idea of a new soccer stadium. Juan Fuentes, a cook at Dempsey's Restaurant, said he plans to bring his 14-year-old son to the stadium.
"Instead of going almost two hours to Foxboro and Gillette Stadium, it can be closer here, you know. For me, it's a good idea," Fuentes said.
Jim Ghikas, the general manager of Mike's Roast Beef, is less enthusiastic about the idea of a stadium.
"I'm not thrilled about a stadium coming down here. I don't know how much traffic that's going to bring in," Ghikas said.
The city's Memorandum of Agreement also states the stadium should include no more than 75 parking spots and that the team should commit to funding a study to improve foot traffic between the site and the Sullivan Square MBTA Stop.
It was announced in September that women's professional soccer will be returning to Boston. The city will be home to a National Women's Soccer League team that's set to begin playing in 2026. The owners plan to refurbish White Stadium in Franklin Park.
