San Diego FC Stadium – Snapdragon Stadium
San Diego FC’s new home, Snapdragon Stadium, represents a significant step forward for soccer in the region. Located at SDSU Mission Valley, the 35,000-seat multipurpose venue stands as the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States. Opened in 2022, Snapdragon Stadium is a modern facility designed with soccer in mind, offering fans a world-class experience while prioritizing sustainability and community engagement.
A purpose-built venue for soccer
Snapdragon Stadium was carefully designed to meet the specific needs of soccer fans and players. The venue boasts a variety of features that align with Major League Soccer (MLS) standards, including a safe-standing supporter section and optimal sightlines that enhance the viewing experience for fans.
The seating capacity of 35,000 makes it larger than most soccer-specific stadiums, offering an impressive atmosphere while maintaining a more intimate connection with the field compared to larger, multipurpose venues.
The stadium’s design also incorporates multiple premium offerings, including 20 luxury suites and 260 pitchside seats. These spaces are intended to cater to a wide range of fan experiences, from standard seating to more exclusive accommodations for those seeking a higher level of comfort and service.
Additionally, Snapdragon Stadium was built with sustainability in mind. The venue is aiming for LEED Gold certification, ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into its operations. The stadium’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its energy-efficient systems and ongoing efforts to minimize its environmental impact.
A year-round entertainment hub
Beyond its role as the home for San Diego FC, Snapdragon Stadium is designed to be a year-round entertainment hub. The venue is part of the larger SDSU Mission Valley development, which seeks to transform the area into a vibrant destination for sports, entertainment, and community events.
As such, Snapdragon Stadium will host a range of events throughout the year, including concerts, international soccer matches, and other major sporting events. This versatility ensures that the stadium remains active and continues to contribute to the local economy and community engagement.
Preparation for the 2025 MLS season
As San Diego FC prepares for its debut in the 2025 MLS season, Snapdragon Stadium will undergo several upgrades to ensure the venue is ready for the demands of top-tier soccer.
The stadium will be equipped with grow lights and additional maintenance equipment, ensuring that the pitch remains in optimal condition throughout the season.
The club’s commitment to providing a world-class experience extends to its efforts in pitch management, with careful scheduling and planning to minimize wear and tear on the playing surface.
Seating and fan experience
Snapdragon Stadium offers a variety of seating options for fans, with views from every seat in the stadium. Fans can take a self-guided virtual tour to explore the seating arrangements and learn more about the premium options available.
The stadium also features clear guidelines for entry, including restrictions on the size of bags allowed for security reasons, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for attendees.
Transportation and accessibility
Getting to and from Snapdragon Stadium has been a key focus for the stadium’s management team. Several improvements have been made to enhance the fan experience, including the addition of over 16 digital signage boards to provide clearer directions and traffic instructions.
The stadium is also increasing its support staff by over 40% to assist with parking, ingress, and egress on match days. In collaboration with local authorities, the stadium has implemented a more efficient traffic management plan, with an increase in manually controlled intersections to reduce congestion. A new rideshare plan will also be introduced, making transportation to and from the stadium more convenient.