TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Sun FC shared new photos of the team’s vision for a future waterfront stadium at Ybor Harbor.
The 15,000-seat stadium would be home to the professional women’s soccer team and anchor a new urban district including the United Soccer League’s headquarters.
“Representing women in sports, this is just so unbelievable. This is incredibly exciting for our community, of course, off the heels of a championship. I think what this club has, how fast they’ve scaled up, but they’ve done so strategically and intentionally,” said Claire Lessinger, President of Women in Sports and Events Tampa Bay and advisory board member of the Tampa Bay Sun FC.
The 33-acre mixed-use development would feature residential, retail, restaurants, hotels, and office towers.
“We believe in the power of sport to inspire, unite, and drive meaningful change. By anchoring this historic neighborhood with a vibrant home for women’s professional soccer, we’re investing in our city’s future and honoring the community that makes it thrive,” said Darryl Shaw, majority owner of Tampa Bay Sun FC and master developer of Ybor Harbor.
The stadium would be a year-round venue for sporting events, concerts, festivals and community gatherings.
It would also host select U.S. National Team and international matches for both men and women.
“Tampa is a city of champions — and now we’re dreaming even bigger,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “The stadium would deliver a place that captures our city’s energy, inspires the next generation, and stands as a national symbol of what happens when cities invest boldly in women’s sports and inclusive economic growth.”
The Beck Group is designing the stadium. It does not have an anticipated start date or cost.
A spokesperson told News Channel 8 that the Ybor Harbor location is the team’s first choice for the stadium. If the deal doesn’t happen, the team will go to another spot, ideally in Ybor.
The Tampa Bay Sun FC currently call Blake High School home. The team won the USL Super League’s inaugural season championship.
