MLS beginning to outgrow stadiums amid soccer's rising U.S. popularity

MLS is "beginning to outgrow" its soccer-specific stadiums -- most with fewer than 26,000 seats -- due to the sport's "exploding in popularity across the U.S.," according to Kevin Baxter of the L.A. TIMES. On Thursday, when the Galaxy and LAFC renew their rivalry at the Rose Bowl, the game “could draw as many as 75,000 people” -- which would be the second-largest crowd in league history behind only the 82,110 the two teams drew at the Rose Bowl last July. Both of those figures are “more than three times the number of fans” the teams they can fit into their soccer-specific stadiums. A little more than halfway through the season, the league is “stretching at the seams,” having already drawn more than 6.73M fans, a “jump of more than 7% from this time last year.” Baxter notes 25 of the 29 teams are drawing larger crowds than they did last season and nine teams, including LAFC, are “playing to 100% of their stadium’s capacity.” But MLS EVP/Properties & Events Camilo Durana said, “The soccer-specific stadiums provide a lot more than just capacity. It’s better sight lines. The camera angles provide a much better broadcast experience. Our clubs can actually own the facility and dictate the schedule. All that delivers a much better experience.” Baxter adds the cozy confines also "drive up demand for tickets.” The listed capacity for LAFC’s BMO Stadium is 22,000, but the team “regularly draws more than that, creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams” (L.A. TIMES, 7/2).