Port St. Lucie Sports Club, a new professional soccer organization, will introduce both men’s and women’s teams to compete in the United Soccer League (USL), with play scheduled to begin in 2027. The arrival of the Port St. Lucie Sports Club marks a significant milestone for the city, as the club’s home will be a new 6,000-seat stadium at the Walton & One development on Walton Road and U.S. 1.
Port St. Lucie Sports Club and USL Expansion
The main keyword, Port St. Lucie Sports Club, is central to the city’s new sports initiative. According to city officials, both men’s and women’s teams will compete in the USL, a prominent league in the United States’ soccer landscape. The club’s launch aligns with the USL’s broader expansion strategy, which targets rapidly growing regions with strong youth soccer participation and favorable demographics.
Local authorities report that the addition of the Port St. Lucie Sports Club is expected to boost the city’s profile in national sports and entertainment. The USL’s presence in Port St. Lucie reflects a wider trend of soccer’s increasing popularity and investment across the country.
Stadium Construction at Walton & One
The new 6,000-seat stadium will be constructed at the Walton & One mixed-use development, located at Walton Road and U.S. 1. The stadium is designed as a multi-use facility and will serve as the anchor for a larger downtown redevelopment effort on the city’s east side.
According to the City of Port St. Lucie, the stadium will not only host soccer matches but will also be available for at least 24 city events each year. Planned uses include concerts, festivals, and other community gatherings, positioning the stadium as a “community living room” for residents.
Stadium Lease and Land Use Terms
The stadium operator will hold a 50-year lease with an option to extend for an additional 25 years. City officials confirm that the operator may have the opportunity to purchase the land in the future. If the purchase option is not exercised, the land will revert to the city at the end of the lease term.
All taxes, assessments, licenses, and related costs will be the responsibility of the stadium operator. The operator must also reimburse the city for police and security services during events, ensuring that municipal resources are not unduly strained.
Project Funding and Economic Impact
The Port St. Lucie Sports Club stadium project is being funded through Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) revenue, specifically using tax increment financing (TIF). According to city officials, this approach ensures that no upfront taxpayer dollars or city general fund money is used for construction.
The developer, Ebenezer Holdings, is responsible for all construction costs and must post a construction bond to guarantee project completion. The city will not guarantee any of the developer’s debt and is not investing upfront capital beyond granting land use rights.
Performance-Based Reimbursements
Annual reimbursements to the developer are performance-based and subject to approval by the city council. This structure is designed to protect taxpayers and ensure that public funds are only used when project milestones are met.
Officials report that this funding model supports both fiscal responsibility and the city’s long-term redevelopment goals for the Walton & One area.
Downtown Redevelopment and Community Benefits
The stadium will serve as the anchor for the broader Walton & One master plan, which includes new residential, retail, office, hotel, and entertainment spaces. City officials indicate that the project is expected to drive economic growth, boost tourism, and create new jobs in Port St. Lucie.
The stadium’s availability for city events and its role as a gathering place are intended to foster civic pride and provide a central location for community activities. The revitalization of the city’s east side is a key component of the overall redevelopment strategy.
Anticipated Economic and Social Impact
- Increased tourism and visitor spending
- New employment opportunities in construction, hospitality, and event management
- Enhanced local business activity in surrounding areas
- Expanded recreational and cultural options for residents
Community Feedback and Concerns
Community feedback collected by city officials has included support for the anticipated economic benefits and increased amenities. However, some residents and advocacy groups have expressed concerns about potential noise and traffic impacts, particularly for those living near the stadium and for sensitive populations.
The City of Port St. Lucie has indicated that it will continue to gather public input and address concerns as the project moves forward. Details may be updated as the planning and construction process continues.
USL Soccer Growth and Regional Trends
The USL’s expansion into Port St. Lucie is part of a national trend, as soccer continues to grow in popularity across the United States. Industry experts point to the region’s demographic trends, strong youth soccer participation, and economic growth as factors that make Port St. Lucie a promising market for professional soccer.
The Port St. Lucie Sports Club is positioned to contribute to the city’s identity and provide new opportunities for sports fans and families throughout the area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Sports Club
What is the Port St. Lucie Sports Club?
The Port St. Lucie Sports Club is a new professional soccer organization with men’s and women’s teams set to compete in the United Soccer League. The club will begin play in 2027 at a new stadium in the Walton & One development.
How is the new stadium for the Port St. Lucie Sports Club being funded?
The stadium is funded through Community Redevelopment Agency revenue using tax increment financing. No upfront taxpayer dollars or city general fund money will be used for construction, according to city officials.
Are there any community events planned at the new stadium?
Yes, the stadium will be available for at least 24 city events each year, including concerts, festivals, and other gatherings, in addition to soccer matches.
Can you attend both men’s and women’s USL games at the Port St. Lucie Sports Club stadium?
Both men’s and women’s teams will play at the new stadium, and fans will be able to attend their matches once the club begins play in 2027.
Where are the Port St. Lucie Sports Club games being held?
Games will be held at the new 6,000-seat stadium located at Walton & One, at the intersection of Walton Road and U.S. 1 in Port St. Lucie.
