Jacksonville Pro Soccer Stadium Update

The Jacksonville Armada FC is making significant progress toward establishing a permanent home with the construction of a new soccer-specific stadium on Jacksonville's Eastside. The team finalized a deal with the City of Jacksonville on December 20, 2024, to acquire nearly 6 acres of land for the stadium for one dollar [1]. This development marks a crucial step for the Armada, which has played in various venues since its inception in 2013 [2] [3].

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The new stadium will be located just north of the VyStar Ballpark, on lots along Van Buren, Albert, Grant, and Georgia streets and A. Philip Randolph Boulevard [1] [2] [3]. The initial phase of construction, estimated to cost around $11 million [1] to $30-35 million [2], will include at least 2,500 seats [1] [2] and is intended to be completed before the 2025 MLS Next Pro season [2]. The club aims for construction to be finished by September 2026 [1], with groundbreaking planned for early 2025 [2] [3]. Gilbane Construction Co. will serve as the general contractor, with Kasper Architects + Associates designing the project [4].

The stadium project is part of a broader revitalization effort in downtown Jacksonville, with the mayor's office expressing excitement about its potential to boost the local economy and community pride [1]. The facility will also include 25,000 square feet of office space, envisioned as a co-working area that could be utilized by owner Robert Palmer's company, LPT Realty, and other businesses [2] [3]. A second phase of construction is planned to expand the seating capacity to over 10,000, with an estimated total cost of $60-80 million [2].

The Jacksonville Armada is also transitioning to a new league, joining MLS Next Pro [2] [3] [4]. This move aligns the team with Major League Soccer, a strategic decision by owner Robert Palmer to ensure the club's long-term success [2]. The MLS Next Pro league, classified as third-division by the United States Soccer Federation, includes both MLS reserve affiliates and independent clubs [2]. The Armada's entry into MLS Next Pro means they could potentially face other Jacksonville professional soccer teams in the U.S. Open Cup, as JAXUSL is also launching a team in the USL Championship [2].

This stadium project is one of several significant sports construction initiatives in Jacksonville, including the ongoing "Stadium of the Future" renovations for the Jacksonville Jaguars' EverBank Stadium [2] [5]. The Jaguars' stadium renovations, which began in February 2025, will lead to a reduced seating capacity in 2026 and a temporary relocation for the 2027 season, with a grand opening anticipated in August 2028 [5].