New Stadium to Anchor Ybor Harbor Revitalization
Tampa Bay Sun FC, 2025 USL Super League champions, together with majority owner Darryl Shaw and the United Soccer League (USL), announced plans for a pioneering 15,000-seat stadium dedicated to womens professional soccer. The state-of-the-art facility is proposed for the waterfront at Ybor Harbor in Tampa, Florida, and will serve as the home venue for Tampa Bay Sun FC.
Darryl Shaw, who also serves as master developer of the Ybor Harbor district, emphasized the stadiums role in fostering opportunity, celebrating sporting excellence, and supporting the ongoing revitalization of Ybor City. The stadium will anchor a 33-acre mixed-use development featuring residential units, retail outlets, restaurants, hotels, office towers, and the USL headquarters.
Expanding Womens Soccer and Community Impact
The USL Super League, which launched in 2024 with Tampa Bay Sun FC as a founding member, represents the highest professional tier of womens soccer under the USL umbrella. The Sun concluded the championship-winning 2025 season with 14 wins, six losses and 10 ties, boasting the best home record in the league.
USL CEO Alec Papadakis highlighted the stadium project as a milestone, creating a premier headquarters and a vibrant venue for fans and the community that reflects the leagues energy and growth. Broadcast nationally on NBCs Peacock and with global coverage, the league and Tampa Bay Sun FC continue to elevate visibility for womens soccer.
Multi-Purpose Venue for Tampa Bay
Beyond soccer, the proposed stadium is envisioned as a multi-functional venue hosting concerts, festivals, community events, and select U.S. National Team and international matches for both men and women. The stadium design was crafted by The Beck Group. However, a construction start date and cost estimates are not yet available, as community engagement will refine the final vision.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor praised the projects potential to inspire future generations and symbolize Tampas commitment to investing boldly in womens sports and inclusive economic growth.
Source: Original report