Athletes from Boston Latin Academy posed in front of the construction site on Friday. Seth Daniel photos
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City officials , Boston Legacy soccer team members, and BPS student-athletes led a topping off ceremony last Friday (Nov. 6) on what will one day be the center of the Legacy’s pitch at White Stadium in Franklin Park. The ceremony recognized a construction milestone that goes back to the Vikings, whereby the final beam at the highest point of the structure is signed, celebrated, adorned with a fir tree, and then lifted into position as onlookers celebrate.
The ceremony took place under a tent due to torrential rains, and the lifting and celebration were cut short due to a thunderstorm that forced the evacuation of the area. However, before the weather intervened, Legacy owner Jennifer Epstein and Mayor Michelle Wu led a speaking program to mark the milestone.
“We’re here to celebrate a once in a generation partnership between Boston Public Schools and the city and Boston Legacy FC,” said the mayor.
Mayor Michelle Wu spoke about the milestone on Nov. 6, 2026. Seth Daniel photo
“For generations White Stadium hasn’t lived up to the student’s expectations,” she continued. “As a city and community, we knew they needed this change. For decades, we knew what needed to be done…Finally, today we are on track to finish the best public school sports facility in the country.”
Added Epstein, “Today, seeing the final structural beam going into place, our dream feels like it’s finally getting here.”
Legacy Goalkeeper Casey Murphy spoke while BPS athletes from O’Bryant High, Camila Restrepo and Sarah Blanco, looked on. Seth Daniel photo
Legacy Goalkeeper Casey Murphy stood alongside BPS athletes from John D. O’Bryant High School, Sarah Blanco (track) and Camila Restrepo (soccer), with nothing but good words for the partnership.
“Every single match we’ve had, Boston Public Schools students have been there cheering us on,” said Murphy. “We’re excited to build on that energy.”
White Stadium has largely been demolished now, with only the relief sculptures on the northern clamshell wall remaining. The future pitch is still gravel, and massive seating areas made of steel rise on either side. The Boston Public Schools locker rooms and amenity areas have been blocked off, as well as the professional team facilities, but a finish to the work is still pretty far off.
The team is expected to begin play at the 11,000-seat stadium in March 2028. It opened up its inaugural season at Gillette Stadium and will play in Rhode Island next year.
The White Stadium job site as seen on Nov. 6, 2026. Seth Daniel photo
Copyright © 2026 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. This content may not be re-published or re-used without written permission.
