Toyota Field
Gordon Hartman stood before the empty lot in San Antonio, Texas, where a new stadium would rise. He founded S.O.A.R. Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to funding Morgan's Wonderland across the street. The vision was clear: build a soccer facility that would generate proceeds for his theme park. Construction began in February 2012 and continued through April 2013. During this period, the San Antonio Scorpions played their home games at nearby Heroes Stadium while waiting for their permanent home. On the 13th of April 2013, the team finally took the field against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. They lost that match 0, 2, but the venue was officially open.
In November 2015, the City of San Antonio and Bexar County jointly acquired the stadium for $18 million. Spurs Sports & Entertainment paid an additional $3 million to Gordon Hartman, bringing the total purchase price to $21 million. This transaction included a 20-year lease agreement allowing SS&E to operate the facility with a new professional soccer team. The deal carried strict terms, including penalty fees of up to $5 million if no Major League Soccer franchise arrived within six years. San Antonio FC began play at the venue in March 2016, replacing the dissolved Scorpions after the 2015 season.
Pro Sports Developments designed Toyota Field to reflect the industrial heritage of the historic Longhorn Quarry where it now stands. Ribbed metal and perforated facades cover the exterior, creating a contemporary industrial feel alongside exposed structural elements. The permanent west side roof canopy extends over suite balconies and seating areas, amplifying crowd noise during matches. Seating starts only 17 feet from the touchlines, giving the stadium an intimate atmosphere despite its size. The current Phase 1 design holds 8,296 seats, though the structure allows expansion to 18,500 across three future phases.
The San Antonio Scorpions claimed their first and only NASL championship on the 30th of November 2014, defeating Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2, 1 in Soccer Bowl 2014. This victory marked the pinnacle of the team's tenure before dissolution following the 2015 season. Before that title run, the Scorpions played their inaugural match at the new venue against Tampa Bay Rowdies on the 13th of April 2013. They lost 0, 2 but established the field as a professional home ground. The transition to San Antonio FC began in March 2016 under Spurs Sports & Entertainment management.
Toyota Field hosted its first international friendly match on the 6th of July 2013 between the Scorpions and Tigres UANL of Liga MX. Later that year, Santos Laguna faced Club Tijuana in another Liga MX friendly on the 13th of October 2013. The stadium also served as host for NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships during the 6th of December 7, 2013. More recently, it has hosted matches like the United States versus Slovenia game on the 20th of January 2024, where Slovenia won 1, 0. These events demonstrate the facility's capacity to handle diverse competitions beyond local league play.
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Common questions
Who founded Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas?
Gordon Hartman founded Toyota Field as a soccer facility to generate proceeds for his theme park Morgan's Wonderland. He established S.O.A.R. Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to funding the project.
When did construction of Toyota Field begin and end?
Construction began in February 2012 and continued through April 2013. The venue officially opened on the 13th of April 2013 when the team took the field against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
How much did the City of San Antonio pay to acquire Toyota Field?
The City of San Antonio and Bexar County acquired the stadium for $18 million in November 2015. Spurs Sports & Entertainment paid an additional $3 million to Gordon Hartman, bringing the total purchase price to $21 million.
What is the seating capacity of Phase 1 at Toyota Field?
The current Phase 1 design holds 8,296 seats with the structure allowing expansion to 18,500 across three future phases. Seating starts only 17 feet from the touchlines to create an intimate atmosphere.
Which teams played international friendly matches at Toyota Field in 2013?
Toyota Field hosted its first international friendly match on the 6th of July 2013 between the Scorpions and Tigres UANL of Liga MX. Later that year, Santos Laguna faced Club Tijuana in another Liga MX friendly on the 13th of October 2013.