New England Revolution Announce Populous-Designed Training Center

The New England Revolution recently broke ground on the new Revolution Training Center, a world-class facility that will be the center of the Revolution’s first team and Academy operations. Inspired by the site’s surrounding forest and wetlands, the Revolution Training Center reflects the feel of a high-end lodge by incorporating responsibly-sourced wood, glass and metal throughout its exterior and interior. From the multi-story lobby to the communal dining hall and locker room, the facility features an abundance of natural light to bring the outside in and create a welcoming environment for all players.

Through state-of-the-art fitness and medical centers, six professional-grade fields, a team dining and lounge space, and office space for the club’s technical staff and front office, amongst other amenities, the new privately-financed, $35-million development will give the New England Revolution one of the most expansive team facilities in Major League Soccer. The center will span 68 acres with 42,000 square feet of buildings and three new full-size fields – two natural grass surfaces and one turf pitch. By combining the club’s existing training field, Gillette Stadium and the Empower Field House, the center will feature a total of six professional-grade fields. The existing natural grass field will be dedicated for use by the Revolution Academy.

“As professional athletes evolve to become stronger and faster, their needs for training and recovery also advance. From sports medicine and weight training space to player lounges, the Revolution Training Center features everything an MLS team needs with room to grow for the future,” said Jon Knight, senior principal at Populous and Principal-in-Charge on the project.

Construction began with the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, October 15, and completion is scheduled for the summer of 2019. The two natural grass surfaces, both dedicated for first team use, are expected to open in spring 2019.

“This is a very exciting milestone in the history of the Revolution. This state-of-the-art training facility will allow us to develop our players to their full potential while at the same time providing a platform for our young players to train alongside our first team and develop into the stars of the future,” said Robert and Jonathan Kraft, New England Revolution investors and operators. “This facility is one of the cornerstones in the future of our Club and we look forward to watching Mike Burns, Brad Friedel, and the soccer staff take full advantage of all it will offer each level of the organization.”

Designed by Populous, the training center’s layout is framed to prioritize ecological preservation. The complex will be integrated around the area’s restored wetlands and blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment, embracing the densely wooded aesthetic of New England. Pedestrian and cart pathways will connect the main facility with its adjacent training fields.

“We have always had good facilities, but having a holistic training ground environment will be an extremely important asset to the first team and academy,” said Revolution General Manager Michael Burns. “Our new training center will be a home for the club that will attract world-class talent and give players unparalleled resources while helping foster future talent in an elite environment.”

Over the last 35 years, Populous has designed more than 70 soccer venues and 14 national stadiums around the globe including Wembley National Stadium in London, Orlando City Stadium and Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City. The firm’s most recent MLS training complex, Pinnacle, opened in May of 2018.

To learn more about Populous’ design approach for soccer facilities, visit populous.com/soccer.