Tampa Bay Sun FC Announces Plans for New Waterfront Stadium Following Championship Victory
Tampa Bay Sun FC Celebrates Championship Win with Plans for New Waterfront Stadium
TAMPA, FL — In a thrilling culmination to their inaugural season, the Tampa Bay Sun FC women’s pro soccer team has not only clinched the USL Super League championship but is also set to embark on an ambitious new project. Days after their championship victory, the team, alongside local business owner and developer Darryl Shaw, announced plans for a state-of-the-art 15,000-seat waterfront stadium at Ybor Harbor.
The proposed stadium will serve as the centerpiece of a sprawling 33-acre mixed-use development that promises to transform the area. Plans include a boutique hotel, office spaces, residential units, and a vibrant mix of retail and dining options, all designed to enhance the community and attract visitors.
“The vision for a new Tampa Bay Sun FC stadium is rooted in creating opportunity, celebrating excellence, and laying down a cornerstone for Ybor City’s continued revitalization,” said Shaw, who is not only the majority owner of the Sun but also the master developer of Ybor Harbor. “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.”
The USL, based in Tampa Bay and boasting over 120 employees, is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in North America. With 38 professional men’s teams and a new men’s Division One league set to launch in 2028, the league is also home to eight teams competing in the USL Super League, which debuted last year with the Tampa Bay Sun as one of its founding clubs.
“This project will provide a premier new headquarters for the USL — one that reflects the energy, ambition, and growth of our leagues,” said Alec Papadakis, USL Chief Executive Officer. “By collaborating with Darryl Shaw and Tampa Bay Sun FC, we’re accelerating the growth of women’s soccer while creating lasting benefits for Tampa Bay. The stadium development will be a place where fans and community come together and celebrate our sport – here in Tampa Bay and across the country.”
The Sun finished their championship season with an impressive record of 14 wins, 10 ties, and 6 losses, including a league-best home record. The new stadium is envisioned as a year-round venue, hosting not only soccer matches but also concerts, festivals, and community gatherings. It is expected to attract 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 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.”
While the stadium’s design, crafted by The Beck Group, promises to be a landmark for the city, details regarding the anticipated start date and cost remain under wraps as the project is still in its early stages.
As excitement builds around the Tampa Bay Sun FC and their new home, the future of women’s soccer in the region looks brighter than ever.