Representatives from Sporting Jax say it will not only hold a new soccer field, but retail, dining, and office space.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville’s newly established professional women’s soccer team, Sporting Jax, eagerly anticipates having their dedicated field for home games.
Currently, their matches are held at the University of North Florida, but Sporting Jax Chief Community Officer Tony Allegretti reveals ambitious plans for when they move to their new location, aiming to offer fans an enhanced experience beyond just soccer.
“We’re looking forward to having our training facility nearby,” Allegretti explained. “Our vision includes a hotel, some limited office spaces, extensive retail options, and various experiences. So, whether you’re coming for a match, you can arrive early for a meal or stick around afterward to explore.”
Many people thought that the new facility would be in Arlington where Regency Mall is but according to Allegretti, it will not be there.
“Unfortunately it’s not gonna be Regency,” said Allegretti. “A lot of, a lot of folks have us kind of tied there. We, did look really hard at it.”
However some big things are in store for Sporting Jax, on and off the pitch.
“Right now we’re playing the highest quality soccer in America for women and um it’s a ton of fun,” said Allegretti.
The organization has a new partnership with momentous sports, an investment firm out of Orlando that invests in sports teams and real estate.
“This significant agreement introduces us to an incredible network of resources and expertise, featuring influential figures like John Elway, Blake Bortles, and Tim Tebow, who’s supported us from the start,” said Allegretti.
The proposed development includes a 15,000-seat stadium, along with retail and dining establishments, but completion is still a few years away. Nonetheless, fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival.
“Start small, start with 15 thousand, fill up the stadium, make it exciting,” said soccer fan Sean Dennis.
In the meantime, Sporting Jax says they love playing at their current home, at the University of North Florida.
“It’s gonna take a couple of years before we open the stadium right?” said Allegretti. “This facility and UNF as a partnership has been phenomenal.”
