The District of Columbia Council has approved plans to build a new home for US-based Major League Soccer (MLS) club D.C. United.

To be located in Buzzard Point, Washington D.C., the stadium will have a capacity between 20,000 and 25,000 and will become the 17th “soccer-specific stadium” in MLS.

Designed by sports architects Populous, the District of Columbia Soccer Stadium is expected to open in 2017 and provide a major boost for economic development in the region.

D.C. United’s managing general partner, Jason Levien, said: “We’re grateful that D.C. United’s future in our nation’s capital is secure.

“This is a historic victory for the team and its fans, the city, the region and the sport of soccer in this country. I’m deeply appreciative of the efforts of many city leaders, including mayor Vincent Gray, mayor-elect Muriel Bowser, city administrator Allen Lew and the D.C. Council.”

Exact details of the stadium’s facilities are expected to be confirmed in early 2015.