The National Soccer Hall of Fame will open October 20, 2018, the United States Soccer Federation announced Tuesday during a media event in… Where else? Sports City U.S.A. of course.
Frisco, Texas has become the ultimate destination for sports fans. Home to seven professional sports teams, multiple world-class facilities, prestigious medical and sports rehabilitation centers, national and international athletic organizations and an emerging eSports community.
The first major league sports hall of fame to be built inside of a stadium, the National Soccer Hall of Fame will be located in Toyota Stadium’s south end zone. The plans are part of a $55 million renovation at the Stadium and a public-private partnership among FC Dallas, the City of Frisco, Frisco Independent School District and the US. Soccer Federation.
The 2018 Hall of Fame opening weekend will kick off with the 2018 Enshrinement Ceremony on Saturday, October 20 where the newest members of the Hall of Fame (to be announced in March 2018) will take their place among soccer’s elite. The weekend will also include the 2018 Hall of Fame game featuring FC Dallas and an MLS opponent TBD on Sunday, October 21, a NASL 50th anniversary match and a “mega” concert (details to be revealed in January).
The National Soccer Hall of Fame will honor the past while fully incorporating modern technology of the present and future. It will feature personalized interactive exhibits, virtual reality, iconic soccer memorabilia and serve as the home for the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies beginning in October 2018.
It’s not a museum. It’s an experience,” emphasized John Harkes, a member of the 2005 National Soccer Hall of Fame class. He went on to share that he looks forward to the current and future hall of fame members having a home again.
In 2013, FC Dallas owners Clark and Dan Hunt launched a campaign to bring the Hall of Fame to Frisco, Texas, following its closure in 2010.
We believe this will become a bucket-list destination for soccer fans across the country and around the world,” Clark said.
October can’t come soon enough,” said Dan. “Not only will this be a technology-driven experience that honors the men and women who made U.S. soccer what it is today, the National Soccer Hall of Fame will also provide outstanding educational opportunities for students across Dallas/Fort Worth. The clubs and new seats are gamechangers that will offer unparalleled views for all guests who visit Toyota Stadium for games, concerts or any other special event.”
Good news, soccer fans won’t have to wait until October to enjoy one highly-anticipated aspect of the renovations. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Club will be available to fans as soon as July 2o18. The club will offer a casual sports bar atmosphere on gamedays with a 1300 square-foot patio offering unobstructed views of the Toyota Stadium pitch. The gameday locker rooms and state-of-the-art media room will also open in July.
We are excited to see all the progress that has been made on what will be a truly special soccer experience at the new National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco,” said U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General Dan Flynn. “From the beginning, the Hunt family has been a dedicated and passionate partner in building a first-rate Hall of Fame that ensures soccer fans will be able to celebrate the history of the beautiful game in the United States for generations to come. We are so grateful to the City of Frisco and the Frisco ISD for their help with this important project and couldn’t be happier with the results so far.
Highlights of the Toyota Stadium Renovation Project
- 3,355 new seats in the south end zone which spell “FC Dallas”
- A 24,750 square-foot structure that covers the south end seats
More than 200 sold-out Hall of Fame Club level seats that offer unparalleled views of the Toyota Stadium pitch and feature an upscale private dining experience on game day- Two new locker rooms that accommodate up to 100 people in each space and feature training rooms and coach’s offices
- A glass-enclosed postgame press conference room, which will serve as a STEAM lab educational center on non-event days
- Banquet space in the Hall of Fame club area, which provides an upscale food and beverage experience that can accommodate seated events up to 700 guests and will be open throughout the year, including non-event days.
- 3,000 square-foot soccer specialty store
- 1,389 square feet of additional video boards, including two in-stadium boards, which will increase the Toyota Stadium video board footprint to approximately 7,512 square feet or slightly larger than two NBA-regulation basketball courts.
To add to the energy of this soon-to-be “bucket list” item for soccer fans the world over, Dallas is among the finalists to possibly host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Get ready, Frisco!
#BigBallinDFW
Around the Metroplex, these giant blow-up soccer balls have begun to appear featuring the new National Soccer Hall of Fame logo! Find one, take a photo, selfie or group shot…whatever moves you…and post it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #BigBallinDFW for a chance to win a pair of 2018 and 2019 HOF Club season tickets! The contest runs through December 17, and the winners will be announced on December 18!
