The Timbers will "begin construction on Providence Park this fall following the conclusion" of the current season and plan to complete the $50M-plus stadium expansion project by April '19, according to Jamie Goldberg of the Portland OREGONIAN. The club was "able to start targeting this offseason as their start date after gaining approval for the project from both the City of Portland's Design Commission and the Portland City Council." The expansion project is "expected to add 4,000 new seats to Providence Park, will include the construction of three new levels and a larger roof on the east side of the stadium, as well as the widening of the sidewalk and the addition of a covered arcade." The Timbers are "expecting to play their first five to six games on the road" in both '18 and '19 due to the construction schedule, but it will "not impact the number of home games that the Timbers play at Providence Park in either season." The Timbers will "not be hosting their annual preseason tournament during construction." Timbers President of Business Mike Golub said that the club is "working to mitigate the impact of the in-season construction on fans." Goldberg notes while no current seats or sight lines will be "impacted by the ongoing construction, certain walkways may be closed during the season" (Portland OREGONIAN, 9/21).
