When the Pittsburgh Riverhounds opened Highmark Stadium in 2013, few could have predicted just how quickly the club would capture the city’s imagination. Now, owner Tuffy Shallenberger is turning that early optimism into reality with plans to triple stadium capacity, expanding from 5,000 seats to a 15,000-seat venue designed to meet U.S. Soccer’s Pro League Standards and position the Riverhounds for entry into the USL’s new Division One.
“This expansion isn’t just about seats,” Shallenberger said at the announcement on the South Shore. “It’s about creating an epic home for our fans, elevating our club, and giving Pittsburgh a multi-event destination that can host everything from big-league soccer to concerts and championships.”
Construction will unfold in phases over the next three years, with a targeted 2028 completion to coincide with the inaugural USL Division One season. The project, estimated at $125-$150 million, will be funded through a public-private partnership. New stands will rise vertically behind each goal, preserving the stadium’s signature river and skyline views while adding premium seating, banquet club spaces, and luxury suites aimed at both corporate partners and loyal season-ticket holders.
Club president Jeff Garner stressed that enhancing the fan experience drives every design decision. “Our supporters have sold out more than 70 percent of home matches since 2023,” he noted. “They deserve a venue that matches their passion and amplifies every chant, chant and roar.”
Beyond soccer, the expanded Highmark Stadium is projected to attract nearly half a million visitors annually by hosting concerts, lacrosse championships, and community events. Local officials estimate the development will generate more than $240 million in new tax revenue for Pittsburgh and the surrounding region, creating dozens of full-time jobs in hospitality and operations.
For the Riverhounds’ players, the upgrade fuels excitement on the pitch as well. Midfielder Robbie Mertz, reflecting on packed stands during late-season pushes, said, “Playing in front of a sold-out crowd—hearing that energy—changes everything. I can’t wait to see what it’s like when there are 15,000 Riverhounds fans backing us.”
As shovels hit the ground and architectural renderings become steel and concrete, Pittsburgh’s soccer community is brimming with anticipation. With capacity tripled, elite amenities, and a clear roadmap to Division One, Shallenberger’s vision promises to redefine Highmark Stadium’s role, not just as a home for the Riverhounds, but as a new sports and entertainment landmark for the entire region.