Maryland officials are now debating whether public money should be used to support another professional sports facility. A proposal before the Maryland legislature would authorize $217 million in state bonds to help build a small soccer stadium at Carroll Park Golf Course in southwest Baltimore. Supporters argue that the project would stimulate economic growth and bring new sports opportunities to the city. Critics, however, point out that publicly funded stadiums often fail to deliver the economic benefits promised during the planning phase.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has publicly endorsed the plan alongside Jason Levien, the CEO of Major League Soccer’s Washington-based D.C. United franchise. The proposed stadium would not host a Major League Soccer team but instead serve multiple developmental and community soccer programs. Plans include housing a United Soccer League women’s team, an MLS Next Pro men’s team, and a youth academy designed to develop local talent.

Scott framed the project as an opportunity to elevate Baltimore’s sports profile. “D.C. United is betting on Baltimore, and what bet is better than to bet on Baltimore?” he said while promoting the plan. City leaders believe the stadium could become a hub for soccer development and community events. If approved, the facility would represent a major investment by the state and local leaders into Baltimore’s sports infrastructure.

One key factor in the proposal is the geographic relationship between Baltimore and Washington D.C. The two cities sit only about 40 miles apart, and their suburban regions increasingly overlap. Because of that proximity, many sports analysts view the two metropolitan areas as part of the same broader market.

D.C. United already draws fans from Maryland communities located between the two cities. That overlap raises questions about whether Baltimore truly represents a separate market capable of supporting additional professional soccer teams. While Baltimore does not currently have a Major League Soccer or USL men’s league team, the nearby presence of D.C. United suggests the region may already be served by existing soccer franchises.

According to Levien, the proposed stadium complex would be much more than a playing field. Developers envision a large soccer campus occupying more than 80 acres at Carroll Park. Plans include a 40,000-square-foot academy building with classrooms, locker rooms, training facilities, a cafeteria, and a weight room. The goal is to create a centralized development hub for youth and professional soccer programs.

Levien said the site’s size and layout make it ideal for building an integrated training and competition facility. The campus concept could attract young athletes while also hosting professional matches and community events. To help generate excitement around the project, former NBA star Carmelo Anthony has expressed interest in becoming an ownership partner in the Baltimore soccer initiative.

Despite political support and ambitious plans, the stadium project ultimately hinges on whether lawmakers approve the requested $217 million in public financing. Without that funding, developers would struggle to move forward with construction.

As the Maryland legislature studies the proposal, the debate mirrors similar stadium funding discussions across the United States. Supporters believe the project could boost Baltimore’s economy and sports culture. Opponents remain skeptical, arguing that publicly funded sports venues rarely generate the economic returns promised to taxpayers.

Evan Weiner’s books are available at iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/author/evan-weiner/id595575191

Evan can be reached at [email protected]