The Tampa Bay Sun FC, Tampa’s newest women’s professional soccer team, is set to kick off its inaugural season in style with over $6 million in upgrades to its riverfront stadium in Downtown Tampa. This announcement follows the recent approval of the new USL Super League, positioning Tampa Bay Sun FC as a Division One Team, on par with major sports leagues like the NWSL, WNBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA.
DIVISION ONE! 1️⃣🧡
We are thrilled to announce that the USL Super League has received Division One sanctioning from @ussoccer. Our inaugural season kicks off in August.
➡️ https://t.co/2dQNv7X5wi pic.twitter.com/TJ4GS7pRoG
— USL Super League (@USLSuperLeague) February 9, 2024
Tampa Bay Sun FC President Christina Unkel enthusiastically champions the upgrades, affirming the team’s commitment to enhancing fan experience and fostering community unity. They plan to start construction this week and aim to finish by August.
The project aims to transform the stadium into a hub of excitement for soccer enthusiasts across Tampa Bay. Enhancements include expanding seating capacity from 1,800 to over 5,000, revitalizing concession areas, and introducing dedicated “fan zones” for pre-game family activities.
UPDATE: We are proposing to play to start play at a beautiful, expanded waterfront stadium in Downtown Tampa in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools. Our inaugural home would host the first few seasons while a permanent soccer-specific stadium is being planned. pic.twitter.com/1ezH77atRh
— Tampa Bay Sun FC (@TampaBaySunFC) October 11, 2023
Furthermore, the upgrades will prioritize the needs of players and coaches, with plans to modernize locker room facilities. Additionally, the team will install a new scoreboard and relocate the existing one to a local school.
Notably, the project will also provide unique sports and learning opportunities for students at neighboring Blake High School, aligning with the team’s commitment to community engagement and youth development.
