Developers have bought 53.8 acres of land from the Melbourne Airport Authority to build a soccer stadium for the Space Coast Soccer Club. The project, which includes permits for construction, was announced Sept. 4. Alix Williams, a local resident, said her family is excited about the opportunity to support a local team. 'My kids are already marking on their calendars,' she said. The stadium is expected to seat 8,000 to 10,000 people and include 60,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. Renderings show a facility designed for soccer games, concerts, and farmers markets. 'An opportunity for people to come and enjoy an event like this is gonna be phenomenal,' said Cyndi Paulsen, who has lived in Brevard County for 40 years. The stadium is set to open in 2028, though construction start dates are not yet confirmed. Congressman Mike Haridopolos called the project a sign of Brevard's growing economy, citing other developments like Brightline and the space center. The USL team would play 20 to 25 home games per season. 'It’s a win-win with all the shops and everything,' Paulsen added. The site is near the Melbourne Airport, which the developers bought from the authority. No other details about funding or naming rights have been released. The stadium will be the first major sports facility in Brevard County in over a decade. Local officials have not yet commented on potential economic impacts or job creation. The project is part of a larger push to expand tourism and entertainment options on the Space Coast.