The planned new downtown Milwaukee USL Championship stadium is now envisioned as opening in 2026, as site development is already underway and the team is embarking on finalizing branding. UPDATED!
We reported in October that the end of the year would be a crucial time for the project plans to be finalized, and since then the news has been good. The $220 million sports/entertainment complex, the Iron District, was announced with an 8,000-seat stadium for USL soccer, a full-service hotel, multi-family residential housing, retail, and food and beverage elements. Besides men’s pro soccer in the form of USL Championship soccer, the stadium will host Marquette men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse teams, as well as other events. The Iron District MKE sports/entertainment district is located at an 11-acre site parcel purchased from Marquette University. The parcel, to be master developed by Kenosha-based Bear Development, is bordered by North Sixth Street to the east, Michigan Street to the north, and the 794/I-43 interchange to the east and south. (Think kitty-corner from downtown’s Hilton Milwaukee, a very visible landmark.)
Since those original plans were unveiled, construction work on the residential housing on the site has proceeded and the Milwaukee USL Championship stadium construction received a $9.3-million grant from the state. The funding was part of a $36-million funding package announced by Gov. Tony Evers utilizing federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds.
The original plan was to launch in 2025, but delays in construction–which should begin in spring 2024– and obtaining state funding likely means we’re likely looking at a 2026 opening for the stadium, according to team officials. (UPDATE: Confirmed.) A two-year turnaround on an 8,000-seat stadium isn’t unusual.
Meanwhile, after seeking community suggestions for team branding, Milwaukee Pro Soccer announced ten finalists and a partnership with Milwaukee marketing agency Cramer-Krasselt to create the future USL Championship franchise’s name, crest and brand identity.
The finalists: Milwaukee Tall Boys, Milwaukee Barons, Goodland, Milwaukee Brigade, Lake Effect, Fresh Coast, Milwaukee Iron, Cream City, 1846 Milwaukee and Milwaukee Industrial.
UPDATE: After our story was posted, Milwaukee Pro Soccer announced an official 2026 opening date for the stadium.
“As the highest level of pro soccer in the state of Wisconsin, we know we only have one opening day, and we want to make sure we get that product, that fan experience, and our facilities right,” said Conor Caloia, Milwaukee Pro Soccer’s Chief Operating Officer, via press release. “The stadium and experience we will bring will be worth the wait. We’re excited for a successful kickoff season in 2026.”
RELATED STORIES: Next 90 days key for new Milwaukee USL Championship stadium; State funding stalled for new Milwaukee soccer stadium; USL Championship Milwaukee team for 2025 unveiled; New Milwaukee soccer stadium pitched as part of entertainment complex