Riverhounds announce planned expansion to stadium on Pittsburgh's South Shore

Paul Heisley had a vision in 1999. It was not only to bring professional soccer to Pittsburgh but give it a home that would be a center for the sport in the city.

He had blueprints. Even a place on the Monongahela River in Homestead to make his vision a reality.

It never came to pass.

Segue to 2013 when a guy who liked to dig in the dirt named Tuffy Shallenberger became minority owner of the soccer team Heasley founded. A year later, Shallenberger was the owner of a franchise that just moved into a spot along the Mon at Highmark Stadium.

Now, more than a decade later, that spot is getting a big upgrade.

In front of fans, players and Allegheny County executives, Shallenberger and his team of Riverhounds executives laid out a bold plan that aims to cement the legacy of professional soccer for decades to come in Pittsburgh.

In what was described as a “public-private” initative, Shallenberger said that, by 2028, the Riverhounds will have an upgraded home along the Mon that will seat more than 15,000 fans, bring in more than a half-million bodies and serve as a destination spot that could reinvigorate the South Shore of Pittsburgh that has seen better days.

“The people that have been involved since the beginning could see the change,” Shallenberger said in front of a packed house of dignitaries, media and staff. “I think back in 2013 when I got involved, it was kind of like a hobby. It’s turned into a business.

“It’s going to continue with the USL Championship and the League. They are pushing us, and there is a lot going on right now.”

Riverhounds President Jeff Garner joins @DanPotashTV to talk about exciting changes coming to @RiverhoundsSC and Highmark Stadium ????️ pic.twitter.com/xSSDUph9vW

— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) August 19, 2025

Shallenberger said the “public-private” partnership would fund the $125 million-$150 million project that would lead to a finished product by 2028.

The USL is looking to join the top tier of professional soccer in the country by launching a “Division One” that will essentially compete against MLS. There is sentiment to push for a “relegation” or a tier system, as leagues around the world have used for decades. For now, the USL and MLS are partners, but that will most likely dissolve if this vision comes to life.

Shallenberger said during the news conference that the Riverhounds’ application to join the top-­tier USL league has been submitted. The renderings of a 15,000-seat multi-purpose stadium with more premium seating, a club with banquet space and suites are also in tow.

Among the people in attendance Tuesday was Alle­gheny County Executive Sarah Innamorato, who was excited about the implications of expanding the footprint of not only the Riverhounds but also the women’s club, the Riveters, that help to bring additional revenue to the county.

The team estimates the project will bring $243.4 million in new taxes to the city, county and state.

“Elevating this franchise to the next level is exciting time,” Innamorato said. “We have a women’s franchise now and expanding in Pittsburgh. The numbers tell the story. People are coming to these games. They’re selling out. There is a growing fan base. Let’s build on that momentum. Let’s give people what they want. Not only for those coming to Allegheny County, but the state.”

Based on the team’s estimates, more than 500,000 fans will come to the new venue annually, between the Riverhounds, Riveters, up to a dozen concerts and other events, including NCAA sports and WPIAL championships.

Soccer has had a home in Pittsburgh for 26 years, but much like a P.T. Barnum production, it was often a vagabond, traveling around with no real home. On Tuesday, the Riverhounds made a move to change that — one that pushes the team toward being called Pittsburgh’s fourth major sports franchise and marks a spot that soccer in this region can call home for good.