News | Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium Approved for Walton Road

November 4, 2025
9:10 pm

Port St. Lucie City Council has approved a USL professional soccer team and a 6,000-seat stadium for Walton Road, marking a significant development for the city’s east side. The USL League One Port St. Lucie SC stadium plan, unanimously passed on November 4, 2025, is designed to bring economic growth, entertainment, and new opportunities to the community, while addressing concerns about traffic, transparency, and public funding.

Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium Project Details

The Port St. Lucie soccer stadium will be located at Walton Road and US Highway 1. According to city documents, the stadium is scheduled to open in March 2027 and will host a USL League One professional soccer team. The venue is expected to accommodate 17 to 20 matches per year, primarily on Saturday evenings, and may also be used for concerts, cultural events, and youth sports.

Under the approved agreements, the developer will pay 100% of the construction costs upfront. The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will reimburse up to $27.5 million over 20 years, but only if the stadium remains in operation. According to city officials, if the stadium fails or ceases operations, all payments stop immediately, and the city is never liable for debt or bonds.

Public Reaction to the Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium

The Port St. Lucie soccer stadium proposal generated intense debate among residents. Opponents voiced concerns about increased traffic on US-1, noise pollution from large crowds, and the rapid timeline from announcement to approval.

Supporters of the stadium highlighted the projected $38.7 million annual economic impact and the creation of 461 jobs. They emphasized the project’s potential to revitalize the east side of Port St. Lucie, attract new businesses, and provide entertainment options for families. Many supporters also noted that the developer is responsible for all upfront costs, eliminating direct risk to taxpayers.

City Council’s Defense and Safeguards

City council members addressed concerns about taxpayer liability and transparency. According to Mayor Shannon Martin, no general fund money will be used, and the city is not responsible for any debt related to the stadium. Vice Mayor Stephanie Carballo and Councilman Anthony Bona reiterated that the CRA reimbursement is separate from the city’s budget and only occurs if the stadium is operating.

The agreements include several key safeguards:

Developer pays 100% of construction costs
120% bond required to guarantee project completion
City pays $0 upfront
Reimbursement only after stadium opens and operates
If stadium fails, payments stop immediately
No city debt or bonds issued
Operator reimburses all police and traffic costs

According to city officials, these measures are intended to protect public funds and minimize risk. For a deeper look at the stadium agreement, cost safeguards, and community impact, city documentation offers further details.

Controversies Surrounding the Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium

The project was developed under the code name Project Bourbon and was revealed to the public only eight days before the council vote. According to council members, this approach follows standard practices for major economic development deals, citing examples like Amazon and Costco. Critics argued that the process lacked transparency and did not allow sufficient time for public input.

Debate also centered on whether CRA tax increment financing constitutes public money. While council members stated that CRA funds are separate from the city’s general budget, opponents maintained that the funds are still derived from property taxes and represent a significant public investment.

Traffic congestion was a major concern for nearby residents, who worried about gridlock on US-1 and limited access to neighborhoods. According to the agreements, the stadium operator is required to pay for all police and traffic management costs, and most games will be scheduled for Saturday evenings to reduce weekday congestion. City officials noted that Port St. Lucie already manages events with larger crowds, such as those at Clover Park.

Economic Impact and Future Development

Supporters of the Port St. Lucie soccer stadium project cited a projected $38.7 million annual economic impact and the creation of 461 jobs. According to city documents, the stadium is expected to attract new restaurants, retail, and housing to the area, spurring further development along the US-1 corridor. The project is also seen as a way to provide professional role models for local youth and expand entertainment options for families.

Timeline and Next Steps for the Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium

2025-2026: Traffic studies, permitting, and construction
March 2027: Stadium opens for first USL season
2028 and beyond: CRA reimburses up to $1.375 million per year if stadium is still operating

According to the city, all five council members—Mayor Shannon Martin, Vice Mayor Stephanie Carballo, Councilman Anthony Bona, Councilman David Pickett, and Councilwoman Jolien Morgan—voted unanimously in favor of the agreements. Over 2,000 residents signed a petition opposing the stadium, reflecting the divided opinions within the community.

Details may be updated as the project moves through permitting and construction phases. According to city officials, ongoing traffic studies and community engagement will continue throughout 2025 and 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium

What is the Port St. Lucie soccer stadium project?

The Port St. Lucie soccer stadium project is a plan to build a 6,000-seat stadium at Walton Road and US Highway 1 for a USL professional soccer team. The stadium will also host concerts, events, and youth sports.

How much will the Port St. Lucie soccer stadium cost taxpayers?

According to city officials, the developer pays all construction costs upfront. The city’s CRA may reimburse up to $27.5 million over 20 years, but only if the stadium stays open. No general fund or city debt is involved.

Are there safeguards if the stadium fails?

Yes, if the stadium closes or fails, all reimbursement payments stop immediately. The city is not responsible for any debt, and the developer must post a bond to guarantee project completion.

Can you attend events at the new stadium besides soccer games?

Yes, the stadium is planned for soccer matches as well as concerts, cultural events, and youth recreation. The schedule will include 17–20 soccer games per year, mostly on Saturday evenings.