The proposed Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium is set to become a major addition to the Walton & One development, with plans for a 6,000-seat venue targeting a 2027 opening for a USL League One professional soccer team. The stadium project is designed with specific financial protections and oversight to address community concerns and ensure responsible public investment.
Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium Project Details
The Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium is planned for a six-acre site within the Walton & One development. According to city officials, the estimated construction cost has risen to $80 million, an increase from the earlier projection of $55 million. The facility is intended to serve as the home for a new USL League One team and host a range of community events.
City officials report that the stadium operator will receive a 50-year lease with an option to extend for an additional 25 years. If the operator chooses not to purchase the land at the end of the lease, the property will revert to city ownership. The city is guaranteed 24 event days per year for its own use, in addition to approximately 20 home games for the soccer team.
Financial Commitment and Public Funding Structure
The city’s maximum financial commitment for the Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium is capped at $27.5 million. This amount will be reimbursed to the developer over 20 years, beginning one year after the stadium opens. According to city officials, these payments will be funded exclusively through Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) tax increment financing. No funds will come from the city’s general fund, and no new taxes will be imposed for the project.
Each annual reimbursement requires separate approval from the City Council. The reimbursement cap remains fixed, even if construction costs increase in the future. City officials emphasize that the agreement includes a requirement for the developer to provide a 120% performance bond. This bond ensures that if the developer defaults, the city can complete construction without financial risk. No liens are permitted against city-owned land, and the city is not responsible for any debt related to the project.
Revenue Sharing and Event Use
According to the operating agreement, revenue from naming and sponsorship rights will be split between the city and the stadium operator. The city retains all revenue from city-hosted events, while the operator keeps revenue from team games. The operator is responsible for all taxes, assessments, licenses, parking, traffic, and safety plans. The city will be reimbursed for police and traffic management services provided during events.
Community Concerns and Protections
Residents near the proposed Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium, including those in nearby nursing homes and apartment complexes, have raised concerns about potential noise and traffic impacts. City officials report that the agreement contains multiple safeguards to address these issues and protect taxpayers. The city has drawn on lessons from previous public-private partnership failures to design a contract with clear limits on public risk and strong oversight mechanisms.
- Annual City Council approval required for each reimbursement
- Fixed cap on public funding, regardless of cost overruns
- Performance bond required from developer
- City retains control of land if operator defaults or declines purchase
- Operator responsible for all operational costs and event-related services
Traffic and Noise Management
The stadium operator is required to submit detailed parking, traffic, and safety plans as part of the agreement. The city will be reimbursed for any police or traffic management services needed during events. These measures are intended to minimize disruption to nearby residents and ensure safe event operations.
Economic Impact and Development Goals
The Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium project is positioned as a catalyst for economic development, sports tourism, and expanded community event opportunities. City officials and the United Soccer League have expressed confidence in the local market’s viability, citing demographic and economic factors that support the stadium’s long-term success.
General expert perspectives highlight the importance of strong contractual safeguards, performance-based public funding, and clear limits on taxpayer exposure in stadium deals. Such projects are recognized for their potential to boost local economies and civic pride, but only if risks are carefully managed and community impacts are addressed.
Project Status and Next Steps
The agreement for the Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium remains subject to a second City Council vote and additional approvals for related agreements, including non-relocation and development/funding terms. According to city officials, the stadium is targeting a 2027 opening, pending final approvals and completion of construction milestones.
If the stadium ceases operations and the city still owns the land, city officials confirm that the city will regain full control of the site. Details may be updated as the investigation and approval process continues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium
What is the Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium project?
The Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium is a planned 6,000-seat facility in the Walton & One development, designed to host a USL League One team and community events. The project aims to open in 2027 with strong financial safeguards in place.
How much public funding is committed to the stadium?
The city’s financial commitment is capped at $27.5 million, reimbursed to the developer over 20 years through CRA tax increment financing. No new taxes or general fund money will be used.
Are there protections for Port St. Lucie taxpayers?
Yes, the agreement includes a fixed funding cap, a required 120% performance bond, and annual City Council approval for reimbursements. The city is not responsible for project debt or cost overruns.
Can you attend events at the Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium?
Once completed, the stadium will host around 20 home games for the soccer team and at least 24 city events each year. Additional community events may also be scheduled.
Where is the Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium located?
The stadium is planned for a six-acre site within the Walton & One development in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
