D.C. United Eyes Baltimore Expansion with Proposed New Stadium and Soccer Complex
A new era of professional soccer could be coming to Baltimore, Maryland, as D.C. United pursues a major expansion plan anchored by a proposed 12,000-seat stadium and a comprehensive youth academy. The ambitious project, announced on Thursday, February 12, 2026, aims to establish a robust soccer infrastructure in the Charm City, encompassing both men’s and women’s professional teams alongside developmental programs.
Years in the Making: From Study to Proposal
The push for a soccer-specific stadium in the Baltimore area began in 2022, when the Maryland Stadium Authority authorized a feasibility study. A more detailed report followed in May 2025, evaluating Carroll Park and Swann Park as potential locations. Ultimately, D.C. United selected the 80-acre Carroll Park site, a location that has housed a public golf course since 1923. According to a team representative, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott identified Carroll Park as the city’s least utilized golf course, making it the optimal choice for the project.
A Multi-Team Facility
The proposed development extends beyond a simple stadium. Plans include a dedicated practice field and a 40,000-square-foot building housing classrooms, a weight room, locker rooms, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria. The facility is envisioned as a hub for soccer development at all levels.
The new stadium will be home to a team competing in MLS Next Pro, a third-division professional soccer league, and will serve as the primary venue for a professional women’s soccer team. Notably, the women’s team will be owned by NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, a Baltimore native. “Carmelo is someone who loves soccer. He owned a soccer team in Puerto Rico. He’s from Baltimore,” a team official stated. “He’s going to lead that effort on the development but also with the professional women’s team.”
Public-Private Partnership and Funding
The project is structured as a “private-public partnership,” with two state lawmakers – Sen. Antonio Hayes and Del. Mark Edelson – introducing bills to allocate $216 million in state bonds. A senior official expressed optimism about the project’s prospects, stating, “Now that we’ve got the legislation introduced; we’ve got the mayor on board; we’ve got Carmelo Anthony, who wants to be a sports team and owner with us and a partner in Baltimore … we think the stars have aligned for us to make this really happen.”
Increased Demand Spurs Stadium Shift for Upcoming Match
The announcement of the Baltimore expansion plans coincided with a logistical adjustment for D.C. United. The team’s upcoming regular season match against MLS Cup Champions Inter Miami, featuring Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, has been moved to M&T Bank Stadium on March 7. The change is due to the anticipated high demand for tickets, exceeding the capacity of United’s home stadium, Audi Field, which holds 20,000 spectators.
Baltimore Welcomes the Possibility
Mayor Scott enthusiastically endorsed the project, declaring March 7 as “B-More United Day” and pledging the city’s full support. “We are proud to welcome D.C. United and professional soccer here to Baltimore next month, but more importantly, for the years to come,” Mayor Scott said. “We look forward to working with everyone to make sure that professional soccer has a home here in Baltimore.”
The proposed stadium represents a significant investment in Baltimore’s sports landscape and a commitment to fostering the growth of soccer at all levels within the community.
