Section 3: Playing Area
Field Dimensions
MLS matches are played on a rectangular field within IFAB Law 1 limits — a length of 100 to 110 meters (110 to 120 yards) and a width of 64 to 75 meters (70 to 80 yards). The league's preferred dimensions favor the upper end of the range and are subject to venue capacity. The field surface must be natural grass, hybrid grass, or a FIFA Quality Pro approved artificial surface; the home club is responsible for surface conformance and field testing.
Field Markings
- Touchlines (sidelines) and goal lines bound the field
- Halfway line with a centre mark and a 9.15 m centre circle
- Goal area (5.5 m × 18.32 m) and penalty area (16.5 m × 40.32 m) at each end
- Penalty spot 11 m from the goal line, with an arc 9.15 m radius from the spot
- Corner arcs (1 m radius) at each corner with corner flags
- Technical areas marked along the touchline at each bench, with referee-managed bench access
Match Clock and Ball-in-Play Protocol
The official game time is managed on the field by the referee. The stadium clock starts at kickoff of each half and runs continuously through any added time; the referee adds appropriate added time at the end of each half consistent with IFAB time-loss directives. The 14 Ball Stands and the Off-Field Treatment (OTR) rule (Section 5) are designed to reduce time loss to ball retrievals and on-field injury treatment.