Developers have purchased 54 acres of land from the Melbourne Airport Authority for $9 million, a key step toward building an 8,000-seat United Soccer League stadium and mixed-use development. The transaction closed Sept. 2, with Stadelon District Holdings, LLC acquiring the wooded parcel off NASA Boulevard. The site is expected to host a new USL Space Coast professional men's soccer club, which aims to debut in March 2028. Melissa Naughton, the airport's assistant director of business development and marketing, confirmed the sale price and ownership change. The land lies south of NASA Boulevard, east of Broadband Drive, west of Woody Burke Drive, and north of Hibiscus Boulevard. Greg Donovan, Melbourne Airport's executive director, said the airport hopes the project will draw visitors and boost passenger traffic at Melbourne International Airport. The city is now reviewing the site plan and a conditional-use permit to allow outdoor recreation in a light-industrial zoning district. The proposal includes 55,000 square feet of retail, restaurants, and bars. The city council will decide on the development, which faces scrutiny over its fit with existing land use regulations. The soccer club is led by founders of Orlando City SC, who have expressed interest in establishing a regional presence. The next steps involve finalizing design plans and securing approvals from city officials. If approved, construction could begin as early as 2027, with the stadium opening in time for the 2028 season.