Tampans might soon enjoy a match or two on the Cigar City’s downtown waterfront.
TBAY’s incoming pro women’s soccer league, Super League Tampa Bay , hopes to partner with Hillsborough County Public Schools to play its first seasons at an upgraded Howard W. Blake High School stadium, according to a press release.
If the Hillsborough County School Board approves the partnership, Super League would make enhancements to the high school’s stadium + share the space with the school. The pro soccer team’s games would mostly be booked for Saturday nights, and the team would continue to train in Ybor City.
“Our schools have been the site of so much history, and the birthplace of so many important traditions,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor in the release. “It will be wonderful to add to that legacy with this new soccer team. There’s something special about sports that brings out the best in people and brings people together.”
Super League plans to ramp up the West River stadium’s capacity from 1,800 to about 5,000 + add new FIFA-approved turf, among other upgrades.
“The spirit of competition is very strong in us, but so is the spirit of community,” said Christina Unkel, Super League Tampa Bay president, in the release. “Our team is ready to deliver a positive impact that benefits families in Tampa Bay, and this partnership would elevate everyone.”
Leaders also hope to collaborate with the school on student experiences like creating a chant for games and working on game broadcasts.
The team would eventually move to a new permanent home. The partnership and temporary stadium proposal comes before the school board for a vote on Tuesday, Oct. 17.
Read more about the incoming team in our Q + A .