DALLAS — Exciting times are on the horizon for DFW soccer.
The World Cup is set to descend on North Texas in less than two years – which may seem like a while but it'll be here before you blink! Toyota Stadium is reportedly set to undergo a major facelift, according to the Dallas Business Journal.
WFAA had the opportunity to speak with Hunt about both of these topics, and more, in a conversation this week. Hunt hinted at "some news that could potentially be coming" after mentioning an anniversary for the stadium. August of 2025 would mark the 20th year since it opened.
2026 World Cup update
Hunt noted the big project for him and the Dallas Sports Commission is securing the International Broadcast Center.
Dallas City Council cleared the path for potentially getting the IBC, which is still under negotiation with FIFA. In order to score the IBC, FIFA has some requirements, including fixing the building’s roof, which will cost approximately $500,000.
"This is really important to me. And the reason is ... it is great for our city. It's a great economic impact. It's a great way for the media and the journalist community here to be so involved in the World Cup. But my dad was so proud in 1994 to have the International Broadcast Center," Hunt said. "That was something I didn't really appreciate at the time. I was in high school. I knew it was important, but I just really didn't understand what it truly meant to our city, our community and he was so proud. And so if we can do this, that would be great. But look, our local organizing committee is really going to get going. We have a lot of those hometown partnerships that FIFA is allowing us to sell. So that'll be in a process there and then just getting ready ... committees, all those things."
One more big piece of preparation Hunt noted was the need for volunteers.
"We need thousands and thousands of volunteers to help put our best foot forward so that we can show off Dallas-Fort Worth.," Hunt said.
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Toyota Stadium upgrades
The upgrades that could be coming to Toyota Stadium – from a large scale point of view – are still unclear, but a May 28 filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation calls for a 130,000-square-foot expansion "of premium product including clubs and suites" as well as new broadcast and press areas, to meet Major League Soccer guidelines. New canopy lighting could also be added.
"Obviously, you saw the Frisco CDC, you know, um put the bond issue forward. And I think what I'm so excited about is if we're able to achieve this, it's for preserving the stadium, but taking it to the next level, modernizing it and truly making it state of the art," Hunt said.
Hunt elaborated that potential changes to the stadium would address the lack of shade for fans.
"I don't really need to probably go further than that um with it, but there's been something that's been talked about throughout history," Hunt said.
Other areas of improvement Hunt mentioned were improved restrooms and concessions, video boards, more suites, etc.
"This is not building a new stadium, but I guarantee it will feel like it's brand new," Hunt said. "I'm gonna be incredibly excited. So we've taken the first major step. We have a couple more steps to get through, but I think if you're a fan of sports if you're a fan of FC Dallas, if you're a fan of soccer, this will be something you will really enjoy."
FC Dallas hosting an MLS All-Star game?
Hunt said there's no reason Frisco couldn't host the All-Star game if Austin is (they will in 2025) and since Houston did in 2010.
"This is a major league city. This city loves gigantic events and I think an MLS All-Star game would be a smashing success," Hunt said.
State of Major League Soccer, continued growth
With Leagues Cup wrapping up, the final four teams in the tournament were all MLS clubs: LAFC, Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids and the Philadelphia Union. LAFC and Columbus will face each other in the Leagues Cup Final on Sunday, Aug. 25. Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup tournament last season in Lionel Messi's American debut.
MLS play resumes on Saturday, Aug. 24 with the Leagues Cup tournament coming to an end.
"Obviously, those top clubs in Mexico are very good. But we have shown now that we're on par with these different tournaments. And look, the calendar does play into it because when we play Champions League, it's early in our season, right? So that makes it more complicated for us," Hunt said. "But I'm really proud ... the league, we have a salary cap system which has been what has kept the league alive and viable even in the darkest periods of time. But they've continued to alter the rules and do initiatives like TAM and DTAM and 3 DPs. And what they've done is they've been incredibly thoughtful and it allows us now to be competitive with [Liga MX], which is exciting for all soccer fans because look frankly, we need that Mexican fan base to be engaged in Major League Soccer. And conversely, we need Major League Soccer fans to appreciate Liga MX. And I think that will help all soccer grow."
Hunt was complimentary of the big-name additions to the league in the past year, from the plethora of Inter Miami adds of Messi, Busquets, and company to Olivier Giroud's arrival to LAFC.
"What a moment, right? We get to be part of the Messi story, each and every one of us, right? You guys are here right now doing this, and we get to tell the story and he's one of the greatest two players of all-time," Hunt said. "And there's not a lot else you can say about it, and we unfortunately lost to them last year, but maybe one of the best soccer matches I've ever seen. I mean, that's right. But those are those matches that live with you as you think about it. So it's great and, and it's great to welcome other players, Giroud coming in. What a great player he's been. You continue to see players Forsberg in Red Bull, New York. ... It's the continued growth. We don't get a guy like Petar Musa to come to MLS without all these names coming."
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