November 4, 2024 – Local business owner Mark Music formally announced that he is building a 7,500+ seat soccer-specific stadium, which will be the home of Fort Wayne FC, beginning in 2026. The stadium will be located on the south side of Bass Road, adjacent to and west of I69. Music retained the architectural services of Fort Wayne-local firm, Design Collaborative, who released the initial renderings, and will also be collaborating with developer BND Commercial.
Music commented, “While this will be an incredible stadium for soccer fans and event attendees, we want to look beyond the field to the potential of contributing to the growth of sport in northeast Indiana and beyond. Sports is an integral part of today’s society and adds to the quality of place. Soccer will continue to grow especially with the World Cup phenomenon that will come to the United States in 2026.” Music is also the majority owner of Fort Wayne FC.
The stadium build will have a matchday capacity of 9,280 (including standing room only) and more than 10,000 for concerts and other events. It will be the largest outdoor stadium in northeast Indiana.
The Club, currently competing in United Soccer League (USL) League 2, is expected to make a major announcement regarding their plans to bring professional soccer to northeast Indiana for the 2026 season. The 2025 season will be played at the University of St. Francis Bishop D’Arcy Stadium. Fort Wayne FC was established in 2019 and has played for four seasons in the Valley Division of the Central Conference. They were divisional champs for both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
The new stadium will feature a playing field that will be 7’ feet below grade with a wrap-around concourse as well as seat-back style seating in both the lower bowl and upper grandstands…all covered by a continuous canopy roof awning on three sides. There will also be a dedicated space for the Club’s supporters’ group. The stadium will include 10 field level suites that can be used during match days and other events. Additional seating areas will give patrons multiple choices including premium loge club seats, tabletop terrace views of the action, as well as various drink rail options. The concourse will feature multiple patio concession areas, a beer garden and a special fan zone park.
Music stated, “This will be an incredible fan-first stadium, making the fan experience a top priority. There will be many viewing options including premium seating, right down to the pitch level. Because of the steeper rake of the upper grandstand, no seat will be more than 55’ from the touch line, providing amazing line-of-site views, so everyone will feel like they are part of the action. I’m hopeful that the community will see this soccer park as a true asset for northeast Indiana.”
Other key features will include a 120’x35’ state-of-the-art LED videoboard, fan shop team store, and four locker rooms. “This stadium is going to be more than just a beautiful structure…it will be a place where long term soccer fans, as well as newcomers who want to learn more about the world’s most popular sport, come together to celebrate the beautiful game,” Music added. “Fort Wayne was recently ranked as the #7 minor league sports market by the Business Sports Journal—a testament to the Komets and Tin Caps, and the city’s amazing fans. We are excited to expand the sports entertainment offerings with what we believe will be a uniquely different experience.”
Naming rights for the stadium and other premium branding assets will soon be made available to potential corporate partners. The stadium will also be available for live concerts, graduations, weddings, festivals, corporate events, and other events.
