Leaders top out Mansfield Stadium with push for May 2026 opening

The city of Mansfield is one step closer to hosting professional soccer games after construction workers, City Council members and representatives from FC Dallas signed the last beam on Mansfield Stadium Oct. 1. 

Mansfield Mayor Michael Evans said that the $88 million, 7,500-seat stadium is one of many signs that the city is continuing to grow.

“I’ve learned that if you dream big, and in my calling, pray about it, great things happen,” Evans told a crowd of construction workers and Arlington-area elected officials. “Today, with the top of Mansfield Stadium installed, the vision is becoming a reality, and the people of Mansfield are eager and ready to be a part of a dream team.”

The new multisport stadium, which leaders initially broke ground in December 2024, will be the home of the North Texas Soccer Club. North Texas SC plays in the Major League Soccer third-tier division, MLS Next Pro, and serves as a reserve and talent development team for the Frisco-based FC Dallas. 

Dan Hunt, FC Dallas president and co-chair of the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, said the stadium will serve multiple purposes throughout the year. 

“Besides North Texas SC, you may see FC Dallas come over periodically and train here, too,” Hunt said. “You’ll see tournaments. This could be a championship field for a lot of tournaments. We’ll chase a lot of events with (REV Entertainment).” 

At the moment, the structure and base for the stadium have been completed. Jim Cuddihee, senior vice president of Moss Construction, said work on areas like suites, concessions and locker rooms will begin soon now that the groundwork is complete. 

Construction continues at Mansfield Stadium on Oct. 1 as workers are aiming for a completion date in May 2026. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report/CatchLight Local/Report for America)

“As the exterior continues to take shape, in the coming months, the stadium will transform into a first-class sports and entertainment venue,” Cuddihee said. 

The new stadium could be a crucial piece of economic drivers and growth. Located near Mansfield’s Hawaiian Falls waterpark location and off the Texas 360 Tollway, the stadium will sit in the middle of the city’s newest large-scale development, the Staybolt Street Entertainment District. 

For Hunt, one of the most important parts of building a stadium is ensuring the local community sees a return on investment. 

“We’re focused on making sure (the stadium) is as occupied as possible so that communities receive the economic benefits,” Hunt said. 

The city of Mansfield estimates the Staybolt district will inject about $1.5 billion into the local economy with activity and investments.

The city of Mansfield and FC Dallas expect the Mansfield Stadium will open in May 2026. (Courtesy image | REV Entertainment)

The current opening date is set for May 21, 2026. However, Evans said he hopes the second half of construction can be completed just as quickly as the first and the stadium can open by April. 

If the city’s contractors hit that mark, the stadium would be open as a potential base camp for a national team participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

“I think any team that comes here and gets to experience this will have that kind of training opportunity that they hope for,” Hunt said. “You’re close in proximity to the airport, which is fantastic and easy for travel, because these teams will move around for World Cup games.”

Chris Moss is a reporting fellow for the Arlington Report. Contact him at chris.moss@fortworthreport.org.

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