Tampa Bay Sun FC Unveils Plans for New 15,000-Seat Stadium in Ybor

Ybor City, Florida, United States - The Tampa Bay Sun FC is not just basking in the glory of their recent championship win, they’re also setting their sights on an ambitious new stadium project that promises to elevate women’s soccer in the area. Announced recently, the team, along with Darryl Shaw and the United Soccer League (USL), revealed plans for a state-of-the-art venue at Ybor Harbor. This facility is designed for a capacity of 15,000 seats and will feature a boutique hotel as part of a larger 33-acre mixed-use development that includes residential, retail, and dining spaces, alongside USL’s headquarters. The aim? To anchor Tampa’s burgeoning women’s professional soccer scene while contributing to the revitalization of historic Ybor City.
Patch reports that this visionary project is a significant leap forward for the USL, which is headquartered in Tampa Bay and is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization across North America. With the upcoming launch of a new men’s Division One league in 2028, the spotlight remains firmly on the existing women’s division.

In fact, the recent championship victory of the Tampa Bay Sun underscores the growing importance of the USL Super League, which debuted in 2024. Just days prior to the stadium announcement, on June 14, the Sun clinched the inaugural championship title by defeating Fort Lauderdale United with a thrilling extra-time goal scored by Cecilie Fløe, her 12th of the season. In front of a packed house of 5,006 fans at Riverfront Stadium, the team finished their season with an impressive record of 14 wins, 10 ties, and 6 losses, cementing themselves as a powerhouse in the league.
WUSF highlighted that Sydny Nasello stood out as the match’s MVP, contributing to a solid home record that made them the envy of the league.

Rising through the Ranks

The USL Super League is quickly carving out its niche as a premier destination for women’s soccer in the United States, alongside the well-established National Women’s Soccer League. Comprising eight teams, the league runs on a fall-to-spring calendar and operates with no salary cap, a dynamic that allows clubs to aggressively recruit talent without limitations seen in traditional league structures. As the Tampa Bay Sun prepares for another season, they can look forward to continuing their success, as there will be a total of nine teams competing next year, expanding the league’s competitive landscape.
Wikipedia notes that the inaugural season kicked off on August 17, 2024, officially setting the stage for the league’s bright future.

Looking forward, the upcoming stadium project and the success of the team promise to keep the community engaged and united in support of women’s sports. Tampa Bay Sun FC is in the midst of planning a community celebration to honor the team, which will likely be a vibrant occasion for fans to revel in their recent achievements. With proposed events at the new Ybor Harbor stadium, the future of women’s soccer in Tampa Bay is bright, and there’s simply nothing like a local victory to rally the community around this exciting new chapter.
As the Tampa Bay Sun FC embarks on a monumental journey filled with promise and ambition, one thing is for certain: the fuse is lit for a new era of women’s soccer, making its mark on the local culture and igniting fans‘ passion along the way.