Fitzpatrick has the most room. I would develop it into a combination track/soccer stadium with traditional seats and social bar-like areas at the top and ends. Increase the capacity to 20,000. For a full-sized soccer field, sections of the track could be replaced with turf. Not a big deal. Let them play football at Deering's nice field--football is decreasing in popularity. This way, track could be focused on during the spring, and soccer for the summer and fall (and concerts too). I would also influence USM to "beef up" their track and soccer programs to play here. The school is a short walk away. USM Portland will be where its students want to go when the new dorms and student center opens. The Providence stadium gets it right with the social areas designed on the upper level. I've been going to lots of sports venues in the past year for work, and the big takeaway I get is that most or many fans are concerned or focused with how they enjoy the food and drink options along with the social aspect of it than the actual action itself. They sit or stand in comfy lounges (more revenue for the stadiums) and watch the games on large TV screens, and on occasion will look out the actual openings to see the games or concert. It's certainly the opposite idea of the old Fenway, that's for sure. But it's now our de facto reality. It's why Portland's Cross Arena makeover has become somewhat of a failure. Have you seen the event lineup this year? Pathetic. Embarrassing. The old days were night and day different than now, with the old Mariners teams and top tier music acts appearing. People have changed. A stadium designed on this new idea to experience sports and concerts at the Fitzpatrick location would be a hit. Soccer, track, and concerts all in one place. Build it right and they will come. I've seen that firsthand in over a dozen stadiums and venues.
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