Sporting Jax choose new stadium site

Article posted by Coliseum, March 16^th, 2026

Image: Sporting Club Jacksonville

United Soccer League (USL) team Sporting Club Jacksonville has selected a site in the Town Center area of the U.S. city for a new stadium and mixed-use sporting and entertainment district.

Sporting Jax said the privately capitalized site in the Town Center area will be a landmark destination that will integrate professional sports, entertainment, hospitality, residential living, and curated retail into a single, walkable district in North Florida.

Sporting Club Jacksonville, commonly known as Sporting Jax, is an American professional sports club based in Jacksonville, Florida. The soccer team competes in USL Championship (USLC). Founded in 2022, the club began playing in 2026.

The project will create a true urban destination rooted in where Jacksonville already lives, works, shops, and gathers by being centrally located, easily accessible, and within 30 minutes of nearly the entire region.

Positioned just a few hundred yards from major highway infrastructure, the site offers unmatched connectivity and positions the development to become one of the premier destinations north of Orlando.

The project is expected to generate a substantial long-term economic impact across North Florida, including construction jobs, permanent operational roles, expanded hospitality and retail employment, and increased tourism driven by regional and national events, positioning Jacksonville for outsized return potential as a premier sports and entertainment destination in the Southeast.

Ricky Caplin, Majority Owner and Chairman, Sporting JAX said, “What we’re building in North Florida is more than a stadium—it’s a permanent identity for Jacksonville and for this entire region.

“This is a privately led investment, backed by our own capital and a long-term commitment to doing something meaningful here.

“We’re creating a place where families gather, where young athletes see a pathway to opportunity, and where every child feels welcomed and valued. This is about investing in Jacksonville in a way that lasts for generations.”

Tim Tebow, Owner and Board Member of Sporting JAX said “As we bring this vision to life, we’re committed to building more than a stadium.

We’re creating a place where families feel welcome, where the special needs community is intentionally included, and where young athletes can see a pathway to pursue their dreams. This space will reflect the heart of Jacksonville and bring people together year-round.”

Anchored by a purpose-built stadium, the district will integrate restaurants, hotels, shopping, entertainment venues, and family-friendly gathering spaces into a cohesive, experiential destination.

Rooftop activations, loft-style spaces, green space, and layered experiences will create a vibrant environment active 365 days a year, not just on match days. The development aims to elevate the Town Center area into a dynamic urban entertainment district unlike anything currently in Jacksonville.

Beyond its physical design, the project is rooted in community impact. The stadium will serve as a civic asset, hosting professional matches for both the Sporting JAX men’s and women’s teams while also supporting high school championships, regional youth tournaments, college athletics, conference and club championships, major concerts, mentorship programming, and inclusive access for adaptive and special-needs athletes.

Justin Papadakis, Deputy CEO & Chief Real Estate Officer of USL said, “Across the country, we’ve seen that professional soccer thrives when clubs have permanent, purpose-built homes rooted in their communities.

“The most successful organizations in our league are anchored by stadiums that serve not only professional athletes but youth players, families, and neighborhoods. What Sporting JAX is building here positions Jacksonville as one of the premier soccer markets in the Southeast and reflects the long-term infrastructure required for the sport to grow sustainably and competitively.”

The district will serve as the permanent home for both the Sporting JAX men’s and women’s teams, reinforcing the club’s commitment to shared opportunity and long-term investment in the region.

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