Permits for an 8,000-seat soccer stadium and mixed-use development have been filed with the City of Melbourne, according to city records. The project, led by Space Coast Pro Soccer of the United Soccer League, would occupy more than 53 acres near the Melbourne International Airport. The team plans to hold 20 to 25 home games annually, with an estimated 6,000 attendees per match. Reach Commercial Real Estate, which analyzed the project, predicts an average of $42 in spending per person per game.
The stadium would be the first professional soccer venue in Brevard County. The USL announced its intent to bring the team to the area in October 2025. The site, currently a mix of green space and underdeveloped land, is less than five miles from the airport. The development would include retail space, restaurants, and areas for concerts, farmers markets, and youth soccer tournaments.
The project’s economic impact is a key selling point. Reach Commercial Real Estate estimates that each game could generate $252,000 in spending, based on 6,000 attendees. The firm is already working with potential retailers and restaurants to fill the commercial spaces.
The stadium’s location has drawn attention from local residents and business owners. Some see it as a way to boost the area’s economy, while others are cautious about traffic and noise. The City of Melbourne has not yet approved the project, but the permit filings mark a major step forward. The team’s ownership group has not responded to requests for comment.
Construction timelines remain unclear. The permit applications include details for a 200,000-square-foot retail and restaurant complex, which would operate separately from the stadium. The project’s total cost has not been disclosed, but similar USL stadiums in other cities have ranged from $60 million to $150 million.
The development is part of a broader push to expand professional sports in Brevard County, which already hosts the Melbourne Ice hockey team and the Florida Tech Panthers. The soccer stadium could also serve as a venue for college games and high school tournaments.