Massachusetts lawmakers are gearing up to vote this week on a legislative proposal that aims to pave the way for a new soccer stadium for the New England Revolution in Everett, which is located just across the river from Boston and adjacent to a casino and hotel complex.
The 43-acre plot, situated along the Mystic River, is currently the site of the now-closed Mystic Generating Station. The New England Revolution has been sharing Gillette Stadium, located approximately 30 miles south of Boston, with the NFL’s New England Patriots. Both sports franchises are owned by Robert Kraft, who heads the Kraft Group and has been in search of a site closer to the city for the new stadium.
A representative for the Revolution has refrained from making any comments pending the outcome of the legislative vote.
Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka announced on Wednesday that the proposed stadium deal is linked to discussions between the state House and Senate about a broader $4 billion economic development initiative. Importantly, the legislation stipulates that no public funds will be allocated for the construction of the stadium.
The initiative offers several potential benefits, including the cleanup of a polluted site, the enhancement of coastal recreational opportunities, job creation related to the stadium’s construction and maintenance, and increased tourism, according to Spilka’s statements.
“Sports hold significant importance in Massachusetts,” she highlighted.
Everett officials, including Mayor Carlo DeMaria, are in favor of the development as a means to stimulate economic growth in a city with a population of around 50,000.
However, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has expressed reservations about the project, citing concerns regarding traffic congestion that could affect the nearby Charlestown neighborhood during events.
Spilka mentioned that discussions surrounding the agreement include measures aimed at mitigating traffic issues related to the stadium and the adjacent Encore Boston Harbor casino, which was established in 2019.
As part of the proposed deal, the area would no longer maintain its status as a “designated port area,” a classification that allowed only industrial developments.
House and Senate leadership are anticipated to reconvene at the Statehouse to finalize the legislation.
While public funds are prohibited from being used for the stadium’s construction, the bill does permit public financing for infrastructure improvements linked to the project, provided that there are matching private investments.
Additionally, the legislation aims to inject funds into vital sectors poised for growth in Massachusetts, such as life sciences, climate technology, and artificial intelligence, according to lawmakers.
Other provisions within the bill include renaming the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in honor of former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, as well as allocating up to $7 million in tax credits for live theater performances, in a manner akin to incentives offered to the film industry.
Notably absent from the final legislative version is a proposal to lift the state’s prohibition on “happy hour” drink discounts.