Miami FC is set to embark on a transformative new chapter with the unveiling of plans for a state-of-the-art 15,000-seat stadium as the centerpiece of the ambitious $300 million Sports Performance Hub (SPH) development project in Homestead, Florida. This significant undertaking, spanning 80 acres, promises to reshape the landscape of professional soccer and community sports in South Florida.
A Visionary Sports Ecosystem Takes Shape
The Sports Performance Hub, conceived by a collective of global athletes and entrepreneurs, is designed to be more than just a venue; it’s a comprehensive ecosystem blending elite sports training with education, wellness, hospitality, and community engagement. The project aims to uplift the region through substantial job creation, foster economic impact, and provide unparalleled opportunities for youth development. At its core, the SPH will feature a professional training academy, a youth boarding school capable of accommodating hundreds of students, public sports and recreation facilities, and a sports-themed hotel. This multi-faceted approach positions South Dade as a model for innovation and inclusion within the global sports economy.
Miami FC’s New Home Ground
The focal point for Miami FC will be the newly designed 15,000-seat stadium, envisioned by LaBella Associates. This modern facility will serve as the club’s primary home, offering an intimate and immersive fan experience. The move signifies a departure from FIU’s Pitbull Stadium, which has been Miami FC’s home since 2016, positioning the club approximately 35 miles south of downtown Miami. The stadium’s capacity has been updated to 15,000 seats, a figure that meets higher league requirements, including potential for a future USL Division 1 league.
A Collaborative Public-Private Partnership
The announcement culminated in a formal signing ceremony at Homestead City Hall, bringing together key stakeholders including Mayor Steve Losner, the Homestead City Council, and shareholders of the Sports Performance Hub, notably Miami FC co-owner Riccardo Silva. This collaboration underscores a strong public-private partnership, with the city council unanimously approving the project, which will be developed at no cost to taxpayers. The ownership group behind SPH includes prominent figures such as former NBA star Manu Ginóbili, soccer stars Darío Sala and Juan Sebastián Verón, and former tennis players Juan Mónaco and Mariano Zabaleta, lending significant international sports pedigree to the venture.
Boosting South Florida Soccer and Community
United Soccer League’s Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Officer, Justin Papadakis, lauded the development as a “tremendous step forward for the club and professional soccer in South Florida”. He highlighted the growing momentum across the USL, with communities investing in world-class facilities to elevate the fan and player experience, citing similar projects in Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Sacramento. The proximity of the SPH to major transportation routes, including Miami International Airport, further enhances its accessibility for athletes and fans.
The project is poised to deliver significant economic benefits to the region. Developers estimate the creation of more than 4,300 construction jobs and 610 permanent jobs upon completion. Beyond professional soccer, the stadium and complex are slated to host a variety of community events, including the historic Homestead Championship Rodeo, which has announced its relocation to the new venue. The SPH’s commitment to public access ensures that residents will benefit from enhanced sports facilities, programming, and recreational opportunities, revitalizing an area near the Homestead Air Reserve Base.
The news arrives at a pivotal time for soccer in the United States, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, further amplifying the importance of investments in professional soccer infrastructure. For Miami FC, a club that has called FIU’s Pitbull Stadium home for nearly a decade, this new, purpose-built facility represents a long-term solution for both training and competition, securing its future and enhancing its role within the vibrant South Florida sports scene. The initiative is also seen as a catalyst for youth development, providing a dedicated platform for aspiring athletes to hone their skills and pursue their dreams.
Looking Ahead
With the lease agreements solidified and groundbreaking imminent, the Sports Performance Hub and Miami FC’s new stadium mark a significant milestone for the sport in Miami-Dade County. The project, championed by local leadership and driven by a vision for comprehensive sports and community development, is set to become a landmark destination, symbolizing growth, opportunity, and the expanding passion for soccer in South Florida. This development signifies not just a new home for a soccer club, but a substantial investment in the future of sports and community infrastructure for Homestead and the wider Miami region.
