ESPN CONFIRMED: Boston Celtics Approves $984 Million Stadium Renovation Project for 2025 and…..

Boston officials, working with a newly announced NWSL expansion team, have moved forward with a major renovation of White Stadium in Franklin Park—a project currently estimated at nearly $200 million, with about $91 million from the city and the remainder from private partners .

Although initial estimates placed the total around $200 million, recent public statements and legal filings have put the total closer to $200M, roughly doubling earlier projections of about $100 M—including roughly $91 million of public funds .

Project Details & Timeline

The city secured a 10-year lease (renewable up to 30 years) with Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BOS Nation FC), the new NWSL team, to renovate and operate the stadium .

Construction began in January 2025, with the east grandstand and field expected to open by March 2026, and the full complex—including both grandstands—ready by December 2026 .

If construction delays persist, BOS Nation FC will play its 2026 season at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, before moving into White Stadium in 2027 .

Public-Private Structure & Funding

The city’s portion—$91 million—covers new locker rooms, a running track, athletic offices, and landscaping, while the team is responsible for renovating the west grandstand, lighting, scoreboard, and ongoing operations and maintenance .

Revenue-sharing provisions in the lease include 10% of in‑stadium advertising, 10% of naming rights, and 3% of concessions revenue, with additional reserves set aside for operations and maintenance .

The project is expected to generate up to 500 construction jobs, with ~300 permanent positions when the facility is active .

⚖️ Legal & Community Landscape

Since Suffolk Superior Court rulings in early 2025, the proposal has been cleared of major legal obstacles. Judge Matthew Nestor ruled that White Stadium is not protected parkland under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, allowing demolition to proceed .

Opponents—including the Franklin Park Defenders, Emerald Necklace Conservancy, and local schools—argue the process lacked community input, may privatize public land, and risks environmental harm within Franklin Park .

Critics also lament the rising taxpayer burden. Council members Erin Murphy and Ed Flynn have publicly questioned the ballooning cost and lack of alternatives .

🌍 Community Impact & Vision

Mayor Michelle Wu has defended the project as vital public infrastructure: a transformative venue that will serve Boston Public School (BPS) athletics 15 hours a day, 345+ days a year .

Supporters argue that the project brings new athletic opportunities for thousands of students, community programming, and neighborhood activation—with shared-use anchor facilities for events like camps, cultural festivals, and graduations .

While initial drafts projected costs closer to $100M, public feedback and design enhancements—including expanded facilities and sustainability features—have driven the higher budget .

—

📌 Summary Table

Element Detail

Stadium White Stadium, Franklin Park, Boston

Estimated Total Cost ~$200 million

City Contribution $91 million

Private/Team Share Covers remaining ~$109 million

Construction Start January 2025

Partial Opening March 2026

Full Opening December 2026

Interim Venue (2026) Gillette Stadium in Foxborough

Lease Term 10 years (up to 30 with options)

Community Access Guarantee ~15 hours/day, ~345 days/year shared between BPS, team, and residents

—

This is one of Boston’s largest public-run sports infrastructure projects in decades—combining a professional women’s soccer team with community-first access and student-athlete programming. While the plan promises long-term benefits, it remains contentious due to escalating costs and public trust concerns.