Tampa Bay Sun FC Stadium: A New Era for Women’s Soccer in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay Sun FC isn’t just building a soccer stadium - they’re planting a flag in what could be one of the city’s most transformational developments in years.

After wrapping up a championship-winning first season, the team announced plans for a 15,000-seat stadium at Ybor Harbor, just south of downtown. On its own, that’s a big deal. But zoom out, and it’s clear this is about a lot more than soccer.

The stadium will sit at the center of a 33-acre, mixed-use district being developed in partnership with Gasworx’s Darryl Shaw. Think residential, office space, a hotel, retail, and the new home base for the USL. It’s a full entertainment and business district rising on what’s long been underused land on the eastern edge of Tampa’s urban core.

The team is partnering with Gasworx developer Darryl Shaw on the project

Designed by The Beck Group, the stadium will have partial roofing, open-air views, and a modern look that fits the vibe of a fast-growing city. But again - this is less about architecture and more about momentum. It’s a new anchor point for the city, pulling energy and investment south and east, into areas that have been on the verge of change for years.

While exact construction timelines and budget details are still to come, what’s clear is that this stadium and its surrounding development could help reshape the eastern edge of the city and serve as a major economic and cultural driver in the years ahead.

Brixmor's Vision for Britton Plaza

Britton Plaza, the enduring heart of South Tampa’s retail landscape for over 70 years, is poised for a new chapter under the stewardship of national retail REIT Brixmor Property Group. Following its $59 million acquisition in late 2024, Brixmor is pursuing a strategic repositioning of the shopping center, transforming its southern wing into a modern lifestyle-driven destination while honoring the site’s deep neighborhood roots.

A rendering of a redeveloped Britton Plaza in South Tampa

A Community-Rooted Transformation

Brixmor’s plans emphasize balance - modernization without over-urbanization. The company has made clear that this won’t be another “Midtown-style” development that could alienate the area’s older demographic or oversaturate the market. Instead, they’re designing around three distinct consumer “experiences”:

• The Value Zone, anchored by Marshalls, will cater to budget-conscious shoppers seeking everyday value.

• The Daily Needs Zone, organized around Publix, will focus on high-frequency essentials.

• The Lifestyle Zone, the centerpiece of the redevelopment, will feature a reimagined courtyard near My Salon Suite and aim to attract a blend of national and local boutique tenants.

The project’s most substantial physical change would involve demolishing and rebuilding the southern wing, from Burlington to Fuji Buffet. Brixmor is working to gain control of the Burlington lease - a necessary first step to unlocking this portion of the site.

Why This Redevelopment Matters

South Tampa’s retail market has long been underserved. According to CBRE’s 2024 Tampa Retail Market Report, Tampa’s retail vacancy rate hit a record low of 3.5%, with South Tampa performing even tighter due to limited space and zoning hurdles. As new multifamily units continue to rise across the peninsula, there's mounting pressure for retail to catch up with residential demand - particularly in categories like fitness, fast casual dining, boutique fashion, and family services.

While the redevelopment is centered around retail, Brixmor hasn’t ruled out future multifamily integration, especially if market conditions shift. This flexibility is in line with national trends: nearly 30% of retail redevelopments in the U.S. since 2020 have incorporated residential components, according to JLL.

Florida Passes Law to Support Flying Taxis

Florida is officially preparing for the next era of transportation. A new law, SB 1662, goes into effect July 1 and sets the stage for the rise of advanced air mobility (AAM) - including flying taxis and other electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The legislation encourages development and testing in the state by supporting pilot training, the creation of new landing hubs called vertiports, and helping airports prepare for integration.

Tampa Bay is already leading. Tampa International Airport hosted Florida’s first public eVTOL demonstration in November 2023. Brett Fay, VP of General Aviation at TPA, told lawmakers that this technology is “closer than people realize.” Former TPA CEO Joe Lopano echoed that optimism on The TBD Podcast, explaining why Tampa is well-positioned to deploy AAM quickly.

The bill was introduced by Senator Jay Collins, also a guest on The TBD Podcast, who said Florida will be “at the forefront” of this transformation. His bill ensures the state is not only ready to adopt this innovation but to shape it.