Well there's a twist on the Armada to MSL Next/Eastside stadium story.
https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/mls/2022/08/30/jacksonville-tim-tebow-launch-pro-soccer-franchise-2025-season/7893022001/
Quote
Most importantly, club leadership has yet to finalize a location for a stadium, although Livingstone said the club is "well down the road" on assessing the possibilities, which could include sites in Duval, Clay or St. Johns counties. He said that JAXUSL has been in consultation with Sports Facilities Advisory, a Clearwater-based athletic consulting firm, to assess further steps in the process.
Does this mean the Eastside (Sports Complex Adjacent) site is dead?
Quote from: Charles Hunter on August 30, 2022, 04:42:14 PM
Quote
Most importantly, club leadership has yet to finalize a location for a stadium, although Livingstone said the club is "well down the road" on assessing the possibilities, which could include sites in Duval, Clay or St. Johns counties. He said that JAXUSL has been in consultation with Sports Facilities Advisory, a Clearwater-based athletic consulting firm, to assess further steps in the process.
Does this mean the Eastside (Sports Complex Adjacent) site is dead?
TBD.
Worth noting that Tony Allegretti has signed on as a co-owner of the franchise.
Hopefully that's a good sign that whoever builds a soccer stadium in Jax will prioritize an urban, rather than suburban, location.
Orlando City beat writer thinks that the USL really wants a piece of the North Florida market, but that he still sees an MLS-affiliated Armada team with the proposed Eastside stadium coming out on top.
If the Armada plan materializes, it'd be fun to see the USL team set up shop in St. Johns County.
About the stadium location:
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2022/08/30/jaxusl-aims-to-find-the-right-location-for-stadium.html
Maybe they can build an island in that fake lake down in St. Johns?
Quote from: Ken_FSU on August 30, 2022, 09:16:45 PM
Orlando City beat writer thinks that the USL really wants a piece of the North Florida market, but that he still sees an MLS-affiliated Armada team with the proposed Eastside stadium coming out on top.
If the Armada plan materializes, it'd be fun to see the USL team set up shop in St. Johns County.
I didn't realize this was a competition! It feels nice to be desired. I must say, the Armada have really worked to build their own brand cachet, even with the financial setbacks. We'll see what USL ends up coming up with.
I'm curious what the site options are for the USL team. Seems like they'd want a lot of land to place a big stadium, presumably some ridiculous amount of parking,
and a training complex.
Armada are dead IMO.
Had three years to get a stadium moving and they've downgraded to a crappy standard of soccer. They're an irrelevance now and had enough patience. If they had their ass in gear this USL team wouldn't have appeared.
More meat on this already with the likes of Tebow and Livingstone involved.
Whichever team makes the stadium work will move forward, so probably whichever one is furthest along will come out on top. They may both move forward, but that's not likely sustainable. The stadium issue is the only reason we don't have a team already. We don't have a good place to play soccer, meaning either the city chips in (cities do chip in for USL stadiums, often in hopes of moving up to MLS eventually) or it's private funding. And as we've seen, that's a long row to hoe.
More than that, location makes or breaks these things. Accessible stadiums in centralized urban areas tending to be the more successful ones. Land in the suburbs is cheaper and you can do more with it (training fields, etc.) but in the longer term, most fans just aren't driving out to the burbs for minor league soccer.
Oh, and the idea that soccer-specific stadiums are necessary for success is a canard. That doesn't play out in MLS and it won't play out in the lower levels. It's location, location, location.
I follow a guy on twitter that seems to be pretty connected in the local soccer scene. In fact he worked for the Armada. Of course all of this his opinion but again he seems connected. He feels this endeavor is destined for failure and/or actually never happening. He cites the inclusion of Livingstone as one reason and says he was the primary reason for the destruction of the Armada. He also says that their association with Florida Elite as that organization is having some serious issues. Also his opinion if it happens it would be in St Johns county. He also states the Armada is NOT dead and from his connections he is hearing that the new stadium could start construction next year. Again, just sharing this persons comments.
I would bet on the USL group being more successful than whatever the Armada are trying to be. I've noticed there are some very dedicated Armada fan boys on social media. I don't see how anyone can expect the Armada to be anything more than the amateur team they have been for years.
Quote from: edjax on August 31, 2022, 11:05:42 AM
I follow a guy on twitter that seems to be pretty connected in the local soccer scene. In fact he worked for the Armada. Of course all of this his opinion but again he seems connected. He feels this endeavor is destined for failure and/or actually never happening. He cites the inclusion of Livingstone as one reason and says he was the primary reason for the destruction of the Armada. He also says that their association with Florida Elite as that organization is having some serious issues. Also his opinion if it happens it would be in St Johns county. He also states the Armada is NOT dead and from his connections he is hearing that the new stadium could start construction next year. Again, just sharing this persons comments.
So weird that a team would want to associate with only one club in town and not all of them. Seems like you are cutting your audience as I know JFC and Clay do not have the highest opinion of Florida Elite.
In addition to the USL Championship men's team, Jacksonville is also in line for a USL Super League women's team.
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2023/06/22/watch-live-jax-usl-soccer-team-making-announcement-about-womens-soccer-in-jacksonville/
Stadium plans still undecided.
So, whats the deal with Sporting Jax? We're coming up on three years since this announcement, when the group gave a projected 2025 start. And claimed to already be progressing on a stadium.
The women's team is playing at UNF. But there's been no news about the men's team starting anytime soon. And no news on a potential stadium other than the Regency Sears rumors from last year.
The team is very active on social media, has sponsorship deals and has added celebrity partners. But nobody mentions when and where they're actually going to start playing.
Sadly and ironically, I just donated my T-shirt from a few Christmases ago to Goodwill...
Quote from: copperfiend on July 03, 2025, 03:28:18 PM
So, whats the deal with Sporting Jax? We're coming up on three years since this announcement, when the group gave a projected 2025 start. And claimed to already be progressing on a stadium.
The women's team is playing at UNF. But there's been no news about the men's team starting anytime soon. And no news on a potential stadium other than the Regency Sears rumors from last year.
The team is very active on social media, has sponsorship deals and has added celebrity partners. But nobody mentions when and where they're actually going to start playing.
Other USL teams were up and running in less than 2 years, this does seem a bit weird. But, they rebranded the Florida Elite club to their name and colors, so now you are seeing a bunch of those magnets around town.
My guess remains that Sporting Jax thought they were going to whistle into City Hall and get a boatload of taxpayer money that just isn't there at the moment for a soccer-specific stadium.
Quote from: Ken_FSU on July 08, 2025, 09:58:13 AM
My guess remains that Sporting Jax thought they were going to whistle into City Hall and get a boatload of taxpayer money that just isn't there at the moment for a soccer-specific stadium.
Hmmm, maybe this new arrangement may get the city to rethink this.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/college-football-legend-tim-tebow-makes-100-million-decision-on-wednesday/ar-AA1MlQtl?ocid=msedgntp&pc=DCTS&cvid=68c4188b3daf4a3bb23e083163f77d20&ei=16
That's an interesting, and fairly high profile, group of investors involved. It will be interesting to see the location of the stadium. It's been three years since they announced the team. I figured we'd known the stadium location by now.
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2025/sep/12/john-elway-tim-tebow-chick-fil-a-ceo-among-investors-planning-mixed-use-district-around-future-sporting-jax-stadium/
^ I wonder if World Golf Village area would be a candidate. It is adjacent to I-95, near tourist draw St. Augustine, had a similar concept of entertainment around sports and is likely closer to those that are soccer fans including the growing number of kids in St. Johns county. Add, Bucee's, Costco, Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops and more now at that interchange plus possible St. Johns County incentives for what likely would be its largest seating venue for events.
Quote from: jaxlongtimer on September 12, 2025, 09:32:45 PM
^ I wonder if World Golf Village area would be a candidate. It is adjacent to I-95, near tourist draw St. Augustine, had a similar concept of entertainment around sports and is likely closer to those that are soccer fans including the growing number of kids in St. Johns county. Add, Bucee's, Costco, Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops and more now at that interchange plus possible St. Johns County incentives for what likely would be its largest seating venue for events.
St Johns County just released the responses for its World Golf Village RFP and neither involved Sporting JAX or anything similar. My bet would be Regency, Southside near UNF, or Bartram Park/Durbin area
The Tebow aligned group has a stadium rendering that sure looks a lot like the Regency spot.
(https://momentous-sports.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/image9.webp)
https://momentous-sports.com/ (https://momentous-sports.com/)
Yes, looks like regency. Would be interesting to see what happens to impact church with all of this. I like the initial renderings. As for the team, i haven't followed it much. USL is making a bid for division 1. Wonder if Jax will apply rather than compete in the Championship league - not that they can't get promoted at the end of the season? ;)
The rendering doesn't look realistic. Impact, Dillard's and Blackwater own most of the old mall site. Impact and Blackwater's plans for their parcels don't match these renderings.
Let's add this rendering to the collection.
Why is everyone so negative on this site? Don't you want soccer in Jacksonville? Maybe the rendering is unrealistic, but taking shots at a possibility it's not what I think people wanna see. At least, I hope so. Don't be so negative. It might help you feel better to be positive about something.
Here's what Blackwater is doing with their half of Regency. Not being negative. Just being real about what's being developed on a chunck of the property:
https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/regency-square-mall/XQGCV2YVIVHLND4YZQ6RK5U7L4/
Here is tonight's ActionNews story about the Regency connection. Still pretty iffy
https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/sporting-jax-stadium-could-revive-arlington-with-housing-retail-sports/LEJR6BCF7BB7NOF4MD7VUJXGHU/
I'd rather get excited about this project, even if it is "iffy", that a drawing of a parking lot for the location of a Circle K gas station. That rendering if you call it a rendering was put out the December 2024, what are we seeing since then? How can you be negative about the possibility of something as significant as this proposal happening? Again it's iffy, that's better than having no dream at all.
I try to live in the world of reality. We've been around for a while with renderings in this town. I have 20 years of renderings saved at this point. We may run them as an article at some point.
On this mall property, a gas station and fast food restaurant will be under construction soon on the JCPenney side of the property. Neither are exciting, but that's what the actual owner is doing with their portion of the property. I look forward to seeing the Sears property being redevelop one day. When and if that time comes, it won't be what that rendering shows. I'm not being negative, I'm just stating what's real.
Quote from: thelakelander on September 16, 2025, 05:34:06 AM
I try to live in the world of reality. We've been around for a while with renderings in this town. I have 20 years of renderings saved at this point. We may run them as an article at some point.
On this mall property, a gas station and fast food restaurant will be under construction soon on the JCPenney side of the property. Neither are exciting, but that's what the actual owner is doing with their portion of the property. I look forward to seeing the Sears property being redevelop one day. When and if that time comes, it won't be what that rendering shows. I'm not being negative, I'm just stating what's real.
I would love to see a story on all renderings. There must be over 100 at this point. I know some were on Metrojacksonville when that was around. Great ones from 2010 when we moved here.
Quote from: dorsey69 on September 15, 2025, 09:28:52 PM
I'd rather get excited about this project, even if it is "iffy", that a drawing of a parking lot for the location of a Circle K gas station. That rendering if you call it a rendering was put out the December 2024, what are we seeing since then? How can you be negative about the possibility of something as significant as this proposal happening? Again it's iffy, that's better than having no dream at all.
Is this Tim Tebow?
Freddie T!
Let's see what happens. You may be entirely right, but poo-pooing the rendering without giving it a chance seems prematurely judgmental tome. I'd rather keep my mind open about the matter. Cleary, a developer would want to develop the property around the stadium to make a profit and there seems to be a lot of property at Regency Square that may be available to develop. Again, I hope the day never comes that I resign myself to compare in a project like this with a drawing about a Circle K gas station and parking lot. I hope that doesn't offend any Circle K fans.
I think all of this is premature and we should wait until Sporting JAX makes an official announcement on a location before making any assumptions about anything. If they choose somewhere other than Regency then this is all a moot point anyways
I don't have anything negative to say about the soccer project. I can't speak on it until there is a project with a selected site. I do wish we in Jax would stop putting out conceptual renderings so early in the process though. They mostly lead to let down for a general public that's not familiar with the development process.
I went to the Frontrunner/Community first ice rink to watch the jags away game this past Sunday. Great atmosphere, lots of ppl, decent food and drink selection. There's a lot for sale, probably not big enough for a 15k soccer stadium and entertainment district, but a better location than regency. It's right off of 95 and in a more centralized location + it's right off the highway.
They've held most of their press conferences there. IMO that would be a better location to redevelop into a true mixed use sports and entertainment district. Just sucks about the size and capacity of the property.
I have to think that anything like this would prefer being in proximity to an I-95 or 9B interchange. Adding another candidate, being near the new proposed surf park that has a similar idea of mixed use development around a sports themed activity. Surfing and soccer might draw a similar demographic, at least among young people, and their master plans might have some mutual benefits to each other.
They could put it near US 1 so it could be connected with commuter rail in 2100, lol
There is a new story on the Daily Record that Sporting Jax rep has made a statement that Regency is NOT under consideration.
They've narrowed it down to 54 potential sites.
How many more years until they announce their decision?
Quote from: edjax on September 17, 2025, 03:24:55 PM
There is a new story on the Daily Record that Sporting Jax rep has made a statement that Regency is NOT under consideration.
So now we can add that fake Regency rendering to our renderingville collection. Hoping no one's hopes got up to high looking at that thing.
Touché
I know we have asked this question before - "Can two pro soccer-development operations both survive in Jacksonville?" But, two articles in this morning's Jacksonville Business Journal's daily email bring it to mind. Again. Both were written by "James Cannon, Editor in Chief" of the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Quote
Local attorney Chris Campione becomes majority owner of Jacksonville Armada
Story Highlights
Chris Campione becomes majority owner of Jacksonville Armada FC soccer club.
Armada plans 8,000-seat stadium in downtown Jacksonville's Sports District.
Club aims to join MLS NEXT Pro in 2027.
Campione will oversee the club's next phase of expansion, including an initial 8,000-seat privately funded soccer-specific stadium in the heart of downtown Jacksonville's Sports and Entertainment District, according to the statement released Thursday afternoon.
The stadium, described as a multi-purpose community venue, will host concerts, festivals, tournaments, and national competitions in addition to Armada matches. Campione said the facility will feature modern amenities and flexible spaces to attract year-round events, serving as a "centerpiece for Jacksonville's growing downtown."
Under Campione's direction, the Armada are moving forward with plans to join MLS NEXT Pro in 2027, part of Major League Soccer's player development system. Campione also expressed interest in eventually bringing a National Women's Soccer League franchise to Jacksonville, ensuring equal opportunities for professional athletes on both sides of the game.
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2025/10/30/chris-campione-buys-jacksonville-armada-fc.html?ana=e_JA_me&j=42276576&senddate=2025-10-31&empos=p2
and
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Sporting Club Jacksonville to launch men's pro soccer team in USL Championship starting 2026
Story Highlights
Sporting Club Jacksonville will launch men's USL Championship team in March 2026.
Team will play at University of North Florida's 9,400-seat Hodges Stadium.
Club plans 15,000-seat stadium for both men's and women's teams by 2026.
Marking the next phase in its ambitious growth plan, Sporting Club Jacksonville will bring men's professional soccer back to the city for the first time since 2017.
The club announced Thursday that it will launch a men's team in the USL Championship — the nation's second division of professional soccer — beginning in March 2026. The move represents a major step toward Sporting JAX's long-term vision of creating a complete player pathway from youth development to the professional ranks.
The USL Championship, sanctioned as the second division of U.S. professional soccer, ... Matches are broadcast nationally and internationally on CBS, CBS Sports Network and ESPN2, and streamed on CBS Golazo and ESPN+.
The 2026 season will feature 18 home matches at Hodges Stadium, followed by the USL Championship Playoffs in November.
Its upcoming expansion includes a proposed 15,000-seat community stadium and training complex, to be unveiled in 2026, which would serve as a permanent home for both professional teams.
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2025/10/30/sporting-club-jacksonville.html?ana=e_JA_me&j=42276576&senddate=2025-10-31&empos=p11
It seems a good journalist would try to integrate these story threads. Clear things up for us unversed in the intricacies of pro soccer leagues and player development.
I'm glad Sporting Jax is finally going to actually start fielding a men's team. But watching at UNF is not good.
They announced a men's USL team in 2022 and are now pushing back a stadium announcement to next year. This should not take this long.