Riverhounds announce plans to expand stadium
PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Riverhounds owner Tuffy Shallenberger announced plans to upgrade the club’s stadium Tuesday.
The planned expansion to the stadium, which is located in Station Square, would increase seating from the current approximate capacity of 5,000 to 15,000.
Expansion is necessary if the Riverhounds want to remain in the top division of the United Soccer League.
The USL recently announced a new Division One league, which is set to launch in 2028.
U.S. Soccer’s Pro League Standards require a capacity of 15,000 for Division One sanctioning.
The Riverhounds currently play in the USL Championship, which is the league’s highest division, but their stadium, in its current state, would prevent them from competing in a Division One league.
Since 2023, the Riverhounds have sold out 73% of their home matches.
In each of the last two years, the Riverhounds’ average attendance has exceeded capacity with fans using standing room only opportunities to attend matches.
“Since 2014, we have invested significant capital and effort into this stadium and growing soccer around the area. Now, we have a major opportunity to continue that growth,” Shallenberger said. “This expansion is going to be great for our fans and allow us to take our teams to the level we want to reach, but it’s also going to bring additional events here that will help the entire Pittsburgh community. We’re excited to start and take this next step forward.”
Expansion of the stadium could open the door for events outside of soccer such as concerts.
The Riverhounds are host to several events, including the annual WPIAL Soccer Championships, the 2018 NCAA Division II Soccer Championships and the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. The stadium has already been selected to host the 2027 NCAA Division III Soccer Championships.