Florida Construction News staff writer
Sporting Club Jacksonville announced plans for a permanent home in the Town Center area, which will anchor a mixed-use sports and entertainment district in North Florida.
The privately funded project will combine professional sports, hospitality, retail, residential living and entertainment into a walkable urban district. The site is centrally located, within 30 minutes of nearly the entire Jacksonville region, and a few hundred yards from major highways.
The district will feature a purpose-built stadium, restaurants, hotels, shopping, entertainment venues, loft-style spaces, green space and family-friendly areas. It will host professional matches for Sporting JAX’s men’s and women’s teams, as well as regional and high school tournaments, concerts and mentorship programs, organizers said.Organizers said the project is expected to generate long-term economic impact, including construction jobs, permanent operational roles, expanded hospitality and retail employment, and increased tourism driven by regional and national events.
“This is more than a stadium—it’s a permanent identity for Jacksonville and for this entire region,” said Ricky Caplin, majority owner and chairman of Sporting JAX.
The development will intentionally include adaptive and special-needs athletes, as well as pathways for young players, according to Tim Tebow, owner and board member of Sporting JAX.
“This project promises to be truly unique by integrating stadium, hospitality, residential, retail and entertainment within a walkable urban environment,” said Michael McNaughton, president of Sporting JAX Development Company.
USL Deputy CEO Justin Papadakis said permanent stadiums that serve both professional and youth athletes are critical for sustainable growth of the sport.
Fred Taylor, Sporting JAX owner, called the project “one of the highest-profile sports and development projects moving forward anywhere in the country” and said it will create long-term opportunities for the community.
Construction timelines and additional financial details were not disclosed.
