Jacksonville Soccer Community Welcomes New Stadium Deal

News Summary

The Jacksonville Armada has announced plans for a new soccer stadium in downtown Jacksonville. This state-of-the-art venue, built on land acquired from the city for $1, will ultimately seat nearly 9,500 fans. Slated for completion by September 2026, the project aims to boost local pride and economic growth while joining the MLS NEXT Pro league. Community involvement and the need for professional sports are key focuses as construction is set to begin at the end of January 2025.

Jacksonville Soccer Community Celebrates New Stadium Deal

Exciting news for soccer fans in Jacksonville! The Jacksonville Armada, our beloved local soccer team, has officially made a deal to build a brand-new, state-of-the-art soccer stadium in downtown Jacksonville. This major move comes after the Armada has been playing at Hodges Stadium, located at the University of North Florida. The new stadium is set to be a game-changer for both the team and the community!

A New Home for Soccer

So where will this shiny new stadium be? Just north of the newly renamed VyStar Ballpark, in a central location that’s accessible to all. The Armada has purchased nearly 6 acres of land from the city for an unbelievable price of just $1! This land includes a variety of vacant lots located along Van Buren, Albert, Grant, Georgia streets, and A. Philip Randolph Boulevard. It’s remarkable to think about how this area will be transformed into a hub of activity and passion for local soccer.

The Construction Plans

The first phase of construction is projected to cost around $11 million. According to the plans, the stadium is expected to house at least 2,500 seats initially, with the potential for expansion up to 9,472 seats in total. The stadium will also occupy a substantial 14,000 square feet of space, providing ample room for fans to enjoy the matches and partake in various activities. Construction is slated to kick off by the end of January 2025, with the goal of wrapping up by September 2026.

Professional Soccer and Local Growth

Jacksonville’s mayor has highlighted just how important professional sports teams are to local economies and the boost they provide to community pride. Having a new stadium downtown is set to not only elevate the Armada but will also bring in more fans, visitors, and opportunities for local businesses. Alongside the stadium, there will be a total of 25,000 square feet of office space designed as co-working environments for startups and businesses in Jacksonville. This aims to support local entrepreneurs and generate even more economic activity in the area.

Leading the Charge

The Armada is already looking to enhance their profile by joining the MLS NEXT Pro league, moving up from their current status in the National Premier Soccer League. This is a significant step that demonstrates the team’s ambition and commitment to growth. There’s a buzz of excitement around what all of this means for the future of soccer in Jacksonville!

Community-Centric Development

Community development has been a key focus throughout this project. The local government has expressed its commitment to ensuring that new developments genuinely benefit the residents of Jacksonville. Engaging local construction companies and architectural firms demonstrates a dedication to building relationships and supporting the local economy.

A Step Towards the Future

While this project has encountered some delays, moving the expected ground-breaking date from January 2024 to January 2025, the community remains optimistic about the future. With several major developments happening downtown, this stadium is poised to become a cornerstone for revitalizing the area.

The Jacksonville Armada has a rich history of playing at various venues, from the Baseball Grounds to EverBank Field, before settling at Hodges Stadium. Now, as they prepare to author a new chapter in their story, the excitement surrounding the upcoming stadium reflects the passion of the people of Jacksonville. Fans can look forward to a spectacular venue that celebrates soccer and enhances community engagement while boosting the local economy all at once!

Stay tuned, Jacksonville! The future looks bright, and the countdown to the new stadium has officially begun!