TAMPA, Fla. — The USL Super League Tampa Bay announced a proposal for new pro women's soccer team to partner with Hillsborough County Public Schools and share an expanded waterfront stadium in Downtown Tampa.
Super League Tampa Bay said the team would play its first few seasons at the waterfront stadium and share it with Howard W. Blake High School.
According to the league, permanent upgrades to the stadium will be provided. If the School Board approves the partnership, the team will pay for the enhancements to the stadium, including expanding capacity, installing FIFA-approved turf, and additional upgrades listed in plans. The team will also assist school leaders in identifying beautification projects to Blake High School.
“Our games at the school will be played primarily on Saturday nights. Our team will hold daily training still at our Ybor training facility and we intend to minimize any impact on the adjacent school,” said Christina Unkel, Super League Tampa Bay President.
The league said the team has also started conversations with Blake to potentially allow music students to create one of the musical chants sung by fans during games, involving TV production students in live game broadcasts and engaging math and engineering classes in hands-on experiences during the stadium upgrades and, once the team begins play in August 2024, showcasing the math behind sports and business.
“The spirit of competition is very strong in us, but so is the spirit of community. Our team is ready to deliver a positive impact that benefits families in Tampa Bay, and this partnership would elevate everyone,” said Unkel.
City leaders believe the location is perfect because it’s along the Hillsborough River in Tampa's fast-growing west river neighborhood.
"Here in this core area we have about two million people that live within a 30 minute driving range to this facility," Unkel said.
Soccer fans are excited the stadium will be a quick walk from activity hubs like Armature Works, Tampa Heights and the Tampa River Walk.
“Armature Works brings a lot of people here with all the food options and everything. Just to have another reason for more people to come support the local business in this area would be amazing," said Carolyn Fraska.
City leaders said this means a big boost for downtown Tampa's economy.
“People don’t come downtown for a single use anymore they come down here for a whole experience. For a day, a night, a weekend. You're not just going to one thing. You’re bringing your family and friends. You’re going to dinner of a park,” said Shaun Drinkard, Interim President of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
The Hillsborough County Public School District released a statement saying, "The district is excited that women’s professional soccer is coming to Tampa. This proposed partnership has the potential of creating a unique opportunity for the district and the students at Blake High School. The Hillsborough County School Board will vote on this proposed partnership at next week’s board meeting."
