Tampa Bay Sun FC starts Blake High School stadium renovations

The $4+ million in upgrades will transform the Tampa stadium.

IMG_4776.jpg

Team president Christina Unkel discusses the renderings.

Photo by TBAYtoday

Here comes the sun. Literally.

Tampa Bay leaders + Tampa Bay Sun Football Club hosted a ceremony yesterday to kick off (get it?) renovations to Howard W. Blake High School’s football stadium.

The area’s first women’s professional soccer team, Tampa Bay Sun, is making $4+ million worth of improvements to the stadium, including bringing the capacity up to ~5,000 people, upgrading locker room facilities, installing a new scoreboard, and adding new FIFA-approved turf. Construction starts this week + will wrap up by August. The team’s inaugural season begins this fall.

“We’re creating another crown jewel for the Tampa Bay area on the professional landscape,” said club President Christina Unkel. The club plans to play their first several seasons at the riverfront spot, and then move to a permanent location.

More from TBAYtoday
Move aside pickleball, there’s a new racket sport in town
We’re taking a look at the full scope of Phoebe, Tampa International Airport’s massive flamingo, from her upkeep to her international fame.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
We’ve got the latest on the Rays’ new stadium plans, safety upgrades to a historic Tampa neighborhood, and a Pinelllas Park youth sports complex finally comes to fruition.
Dining in Tampa and St. Pete is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
We rounded up rounds of music, drag, and old fashioned bingo across the Gulf Coast area.
Here’s a look at the latest towers and businesses rising up in Tampa and St. Pete.
The economic landscape of Tampa Bay, who’s hiring, and who’s most likely to expand investments into our community.
From Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Parade to a beer and barbecue festival, it’s going to be a busy February weekend across Tampa and St. Pete.
Fit the Surf n’ Turf Alfredo Sundae and other fair delights into your budget.