A new Port St. Lucie soccer stadium is set to become the anchor of the Walton & One development, marking a major step toward establishing a vibrant downtown and expanding entertainment options for residents and visitors.

Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium to Anchor Downtown Development

The planned Port St. Lucie soccer stadium will feature 6,000 seats and serve as a multi-use venue for both sports and entertainment. According to city officials, the stadium will be located within the Walton & One district, a master-planned area designed to become the city’s future downtown entertainment hub.

The stadium will be home to both men’s and women’s teams under the United Soccer League (USL) banner. The inaugural season for Port St. Lucie SC is scheduled for 2027, with construction expected to begin soon.

Walton & One: Vision for a Walkable City Center

The Walton & One master plan includes residential, retail, office, hotel, and entertainment spaces. City officials report that the city owns most parcels in the area, and market analysis indicates sufficient demand for a mixed-use downtown district.

The new soccer stadium is positioned as the anchor project, expected to attract additional private investment in hotels, restaurants, retail, and housing. The development aligns with long-term city planning goals to create a walkable, mixed-use city center.

USL Expansion and the Rise of Soccer in Florida

The United Soccer League (USL) is the second tier of professional soccer in the United States, just below Major League Soccer (MLS). The league is expanding its presence in Florida, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity nationwide and on the Treasure Coast.

The new stadium will host both men’s and women’s USL teams, providing year-round professional soccer and increasing the region’s visibility in the national sports landscape.

Multi-Use Stadium for Sports, Concerts, and Festivals

The Port St. Lucie soccer stadium is designed as a multi-use facility. In addition to soccer matches, the venue will accommodate concerts, festivals, and other community events during the off-season.

This approach aims to maximize use of the facility and provide a range of entertainment options for residents throughout the year.

Funding Structure: Community Redevelopment Agency Mechanism

According to city documents, the stadium project is being funded through a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) mechanism. This approach uses tax increment revenue, which reinvests increased property tax revenues from the district back into local improvements.

The developer, Ebenezer Holdings, is required to post a construction bond to guarantee project completion. The city is not guaranteeing any of the developer’s debt and is not investing upfront capital beyond granting the use of city-owned land. There are no upfront taxpayer dollars or city general fund involvement in the project.

City Approval and Project Timeline

City leaders have formally approved both the stadium plan and the USL franchise. Construction is expected to begin soon, with the stadium targeted as the anchor for broader downtown development.

The inaugural season for Port St. Lucie SC is scheduled for 2027, and branding and community engagement efforts are underway to build local support for the new teams.

Expert Perspectives on Economic and Social Impact

Urban development experts view the Port St. Lucie soccer stadium as a catalyst for economic growth and urban revitalization. The project is expected to increase tourism, spur private investment, and establish a sense of community identity.

The inclusion of both men’s and women’s teams is considered a progressive step for gender equity in sports. The use of CRA funding is generally regarded as a prudent approach, minimizing city financial risk while leveraging private investment.

Population Growth and Demand for Entertainment on the Treasure Coast

The Treasure Coast region is experiencing steady population growth and rising demand for entertainment and cultural amenities. The new stadium is expected to address these needs while supporting the city’s vision for a dynamic downtown district.

Community leaders anticipate that the stadium will serve as a gathering place, fostering social cohesion and civic engagement for Port St. Lucie residents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium

What is the capacity of the Port St. Lucie soccer stadium?

The planned stadium will have 6,000 seats and is designed to host both professional soccer matches and other large events.

How is the Port St. Lucie soccer stadium being funded?

The stadium is funded through a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) mechanism, using tax increment revenue. There are no upfront taxpayer dollars or city general fund involvement.

Are there both men’s and women’s soccer teams planned for Port St. Lucie?

Yes, the stadium will host both men’s and women’s teams under the United Soccer League (USL) banner, with the first season scheduled for 2027.

Can you attend concerts and festivals at the new Port St. Lucie soccer stadium?

Yes, the stadium is designed as a multi-use facility and will host concerts, festivals, and community events during the soccer off-season.

Where is the Port St. Lucie soccer stadium located?

The stadium will be built in the Walton & One development, which is planned as Port St. Lucie’s future downtown entertainment hub.