FC Dallas is in the middle of one of the most ambitious stadium redevelopment projects in Major League Soccer, a sweeping $182 million renovation of Toyota Stadium in Frisco that aims to transform the nearly 20-year-old venue into a modern soccer and entertainment destination by 2028.
The multiyear project, already well underway, is reshaping nearly every aspect of the stadium. From a full-seat canopy designed to shield fans from the brutal North Texas heat to expanded premium seating, upgraded concessions, larger video boards, improved technology, and redesigned entrances, the renovation is being positioned as a major investment in the future of FC Dallas, Frisco, and professional soccer in Texas.
At the same time, the construction process has created challenges for fans attending FC Dallas home games, with large portions of the venue temporarily closed during phased construction work. Reduced seating capacity, altered entrances, and limited concourse access have changed the matchday experience during the transition period.
Still, club officials and city leaders believe the long-term payoff will outweigh the temporary inconvenience as Toyota Stadium evolves into one of the premier soccer venues in the country.
A Major Upgrade for FC Dallas and MLS
Toyota Stadium first opened in 2005 and quickly became one of Major League Soccer’s early soccer-specific stadium success stories. Located in Frisco, the stadium helped establish FC Dallas as a long-term presence in North Texas while also becoming home to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, high school football games, concerts, youth tournaments, and major soccer events.
But as MLS exploded in popularity over the last decade, Toyota Stadium began showing its age compared to newer venues across the league.
More than 20 new MLS stadiums have opened since Toyota Stadium debuted, many featuring modern amenities, premium club spaces, larger concourses, advanced technology, and extensive shade coverage. FC Dallas executives acknowledged the club needed to modernize the stadium to remain competitive both financially and from a fan experience perspective.
The renovation project was approved through a public-private partnership involving the City of Frisco, Frisco ISD, the Frisco Economic Development Corporation, the Frisco Community Development Corporation, and the Hunt family, owners of FC Dallas.
Construction officially began in 2025 and is scheduled for completion during the first quarter of 2028. The redevelopment is so extensive that officials have branded the project “The New Toyota Stadium.”
Among the most talked-about improvements is the installation of a sweeping canopy structure that will eventually cover every seat inside the stadium.
Relief From the Texas Heat
One of the biggest complaints fans have voiced about Toyota Stadium over the years has been the intense summer heat during FC Dallas matches.
North Texas summers regularly bring temperatures above 100 degrees, and many seats inside Toyota Stadium previously had little to no protection from direct sunlight. Afternoon and early evening matches often became physically exhausting experiences for supporters sitting in exposed sections.
The new roof canopy is designed specifically to solve that issue. Once completed, the structure will provide shade protection across the stadium bowl, creating a significantly more comfortable environment for fans.
The addition of shaded seating has become one of the most searched topics surrounding the project, with keywords such as “Toyota Stadium canopy,” “FC Dallas shaded seats,” and “Toyota Stadium renovation updates” seeing growing interest online as construction progresses.
The improved climate protection could also benefit players and spectators alike during summer matches, especially as soccer’s popularity continues growing in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and future international events.
FC Dallas executives have also indicated the upgraded stadium could eventually help position Frisco as a candidate for future major soccer events, including potential matches connected to the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Modern Amenities and Premium Experiences
In addition to the canopy, the renovation includes major improvements aimed at enhancing nearly every aspect of the fan experience.
Plans call for expanded concourses, additional concession stands, larger restroom facilities, new bars and lounges, upgraded club seating, luxury suites, and enhanced hospitality areas.
FC Dallas officials say these additions are essential in today’s sports business landscape, where modern stadiums increasingly rely on premium experiences and hospitality revenue.
The stadium will also receive upgraded audio-visual systems, including what officials say will become the largest LED video board among soccer-specific stadiums in the United States.
Other improvements include:
- Redesigned stadium entrances
- Modernized media and press facilities
- New standing supporter sections
- Replaced seating throughout the venue
- Integrated LED lighting systems
- Expanded accessibility improvements
- Additional gathering spaces for fans and corporate events
The project also removes the original concert stage located on the north end of the stadium, a feature many supporters viewed as outdated. The stage had long been criticized for creating an unusual stadium layout and limiting the atmosphere compared to more traditional soccer stadium designs.
Once construction is complete, stadium capacity is expected to increase to approximately 23,900 seats.
Construction Challenges During FC Dallas Home Games
While excitement surrounding the renovation remains high, the ongoing construction has also created noticeable drawbacks during FC Dallas home matches.
Because the redevelopment is happening in phases while the stadium remains operational, significant portions of Toyota Stadium have been closed during multiple MLS seasons.
During the first phase, the east side of the stadium was shut down entirely as crews began large-scale demolition and rebuilding work. In 2026, construction shifted toward the west side after portions of the east side reopened.
The temporary closures have dramatically reduced attendance capacity.
Toyota Stadium, which normally seats more than 20,000 fans, has operated with reduced capacities around 11,000 seats during portions of construction.
For supporters, that has led to several temporary inconveniences:
- Longer concession lines
- Limited restroom availability
- Fewer available seating sections
- Changes to parking access
- Altered stadium entrances
- Reduced concourse space
- Increased crowd congestion in open areas
FC Dallas has also had to adjust entry procedures and parking operations because several gates and lots became inaccessible during construction.
Fans attending matches during the renovation have been encouraged to arrive earlier than usual due to the changing traffic flow around the stadium.
Despite the disruptions, many supporters appear willing to tolerate the temporary inconvenience in exchange for the long-term benefits the project promises.
The phased construction approach also allows FC Dallas to continue playing home matches in Frisco instead of relocating to another venue for multiple seasons, something that likely helped preserve fan engagement and local economic activity tied to matchdays.
Economic Impact on Frisco
The renovation is not just about soccer.
City officials view the Toyota Stadium redevelopment as part of a broader effort to strengthen Frisco’s position as one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports and entertainment destinations.
Over the last two decades, Frisco has aggressively developed sports-related infrastructure, including The Star, Riders Field, PGA Frisco, and numerous youth sports complexes.
Toyota Stadium already hosts a wide range of events beyond FC Dallas matches, including:
- Frisco ISD football games
- International soccer matches
- Concerts
- NCAA events
- Youth soccer tournaments
- National Soccer Hall of Fame activities
- UFL football games
The upgraded venue is expected to attract even more large-scale events in the future.
The surrounding redevelopment plans are also substantial.
Future phases tied to the project include office development, retail space, restaurants, residential units, and a hotel surrounding the stadium district.
City leaders believe the redevelopment could generate increased tourism, higher tax revenue, and new economic activity throughout the area.
The project’s importance extends beyond FC Dallas itself. With soccer’s popularity continuing to grow nationally, North Texas is increasingly positioning itself as a major hub for both domestic and international soccer events.
Why the Renovation Matters for MLS
The Toyota Stadium project also reflects the broader evolution of Major League Soccer.
When Toyota Stadium opened in 2005, MLS was still fighting for long-term stability. Stadium designs at the time focused heavily on controlling costs and ensuring survival rather than maximizing luxury experiences or architectural innovation.
League growth has changed those priorities dramatically.
The arrival of global stars such as Lionel Messi, expanding television revenue, growing attendance figures, and increasing international attention have accelerated investment across MLS franchises.
Modern stadiums have become central to that strategy.
Teams now prioritize premium seating, fan comfort, entertainment districts, advanced technology, and year-round revenue generation. FC Dallas executives have openly acknowledged that Toyota Stadium needed a major transformation to keep pace with the league’s rapid growth.
The renovation may also help reshape national perception of FC Dallas.
Despite being one of MLS’s original clubs and widely respected for its youth academy development, FC Dallas has sometimes been overshadowed by newer franchises with larger stadiums and more modern facilities.
The upgraded Toyota Stadium could help the club attract larger crowds, premium sponsors, additional concerts, and higher-profile soccer events in the coming years.
Looking Ahead to 2028
Although construction remains ongoing, Toyota Stadium is already beginning to show visible signs of transformation.
New structural elements have started rising above the stadium bowl, and fans attending matches can increasingly see the scale of the redevelopment taking shape.
Once fully completed in 2028, FC Dallas officials hope the renovated stadium will blend modern amenities with the club’s existing soccer culture and long-standing community ties in Frisco.
For now, fans attending matches will continue navigating temporary closures and construction zones during the remaining phases of the project.
But if the finished product delivers on expectations, Toyota Stadium could emerge as one of the premier soccer venues in Major League Soccer and a centerpiece of North Texas sports for decades to come.
