Jack Shapiro, the quarterback for Boston Latin Academy, has enjoyed playing at the historic White Stadium, a venue steeped in tradition. However, this season, Shapiro will have to settle for a practice field adjacent to the 75-year-old stadium, which is padlocked in anticipation of a significant renovation. The $200 million project will transform White Stadium into a state-of-the-art facility for Boston’s new professional women’s soccer team, BOS Nation FC, set to debut in 2026.
Shapiro expressed disappointment over the loss of their home field, as the high school team is now forced to play its games in West Roxbury, a 45-minute bus ride from school. While the city’s school system will have access to the new facility, Boston Latin Academy and another school team will need to find alternative locations for their games. Although there is hope for some games to be played at the new stadium, the specifics remain uncertain.
City officials have stated that concerns over potential damage to the playing surface from cleats necessitate relocating the high school teams. However, they have promised that all city schools will have access to the stadium for end-of-season games, including championships. “The biggest worry is that we will be blocked out,” said Rocco Zizza, the team’s coach. “In many ways, what is behind us will not only be a monument for high school football but also maybe a tombstone.”
Community Concerns About Green Space
Shapiro and his teammates are part of a growing coalition opposing the renovation, which includes preservationists, environmentalists, and neighborhood activists. Many opponents fear that the partnership between the city and a corporate entity could limit public access to the stadium and the surrounding green space.
Supporters of the project argue that it represents the best opportunity to bring professional women’s soccer to Boston and to provide much-needed resources for the city’s underfunded school system. White Stadium, located in Franklin Park, has long served as a community hub for sports, concerts, and summer camps, and is part of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace park system.
Louis Elisa, a local resident involved in a lawsuit against the project, stated that it would cause “enormous harm to the environment and the community.” The lawsuit claims that the approval process was rushed and lacked adequate community input, arguing that it violates the state constitution by transferring public land for private use. Opponents also express concerns that the influx of fans attending BOS Nation FC games would overwhelm the park and disrupt nearby neighborhoods. Instead, they advocate for repairing the existing stadium for a fraction of the cost.
“The changes they want to make will destroy the antiquities of the park and change its character,” said Elisa, president of the Garrison-Trotter Neighborhood Association.
Supporters Emphasize Community Benefits
Supporters, including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, argue that the partnership is essential for funding the necessary renovations and would positively impact the neighborhood and the students who rely on the facility. Past attempts to repair the stadium have failed due to funding shortages and neighborhood opposition.
While the city’s schools will control the stadium, the team will be responsible for its operation and maintenance. “The stadium has been in bad need of repairs for a very long time. You can see the track is crumbling, and the facilities aren’t up to state standards. Our young people deserve better,” Wu stated. She added that the project aligns with the park’s mission, which includes areas for quiet enjoyment as well as spaces designed to attract visitors. “This will revitalize White Stadium as a hub for our young people, student athletes, and the surrounding community,” she said.
Jennifer Epstein, the controlling owner of BOS Nation FC, highlighted that the new stadium will provide significantly more programming for students and the community. She emphasized that it would be one of the few stadiums built specifically for professional women’s soccer.
“This public-private-community partnership is really exciting and will transform White Stadium into a top-tier professional venue,” Epstein said. “It will be a real thrill for everyone to be there.”
Challenges Ahead as Costs Rise
Despite the enthusiasm, the project faces challenges. Wu recently acknowledged that the estimated cost of the renovation has nearly doubled to $91 million due to design changes and rising construction expenses. Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn has voiced opposition to the proposal, citing the escalating costs, and another council member, Erin Murphy, plans to request a hearing on the matter.
“We should cancel this proposal immediately and work together with residents and stakeholders across the city to provide the best option for our city and support a professional women’s soccer team while incorporating the voices of our residents and student athletes,” Flynn stated.
Time is also a pressing concern, with supporters warning that delays in the lawsuit trial scheduled for March could jeopardize the project. Nevertheless, they remain optimistic that the lawsuit will be dismissed.
Additionally, the team is seeking public input on its name following criticism of its “Too Many Balls” marketing campaign, which was deemed transphobic. In response, the team announced a process to gather feedback regarding the team name.
Opponents, while expressing support for a professional women’s team, continue to push back against the project in Franklin Park. “We are more confident than ever that Franklin Park will be protected from their scheme to turn this historic parkland into a colossal sports and entertainment complex,” said Renee Stacy Welsh, a member of the Franklin Park Defenders.
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