Ybor City Considered as Location for Practice Facility by Tampa Bay’s Pro Women’s Soccer Team

Tampa Bay’s yet-to-be-named professional women’s soccer team has secured a location for practice.

Proposals submitted to Ybor City’s Barrio Planning Commission (BLC) reveal plans for a “Ybor Soccer Training Field” at the intersection of E 7th and Nebraska Avenues.

A representative from Tampa Bay’s Super League Team confirmed to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the organization is establishing its presence in this historic district and will soon unveil its team name and the temporary stadium location.

The practice field plans do not incorporate a stadium but necessitate the removal of a “nonhazardous grand tree,” as stated in the application submitted to the BLC. The property is owned by Seventh and Nebraska Investments LLC, a company connected to Ybor City developer and former Tampa Bay Times investor, Darryl Shaw.

“We love this area and with the players training here, we know they will grow to love it too,” Amber Brinkley, Head Of Marketing And Communications for Super League Tampa Bay, added. “We look forward to becoming part of the Tampa Bay sports community.”

RBLR Sports first reported on the team in May, revealing that its launch is being spearheaded by Darryl Shaw, owner of Bern’s Steak House, David Laxer, and Jeff Fox, who recently retired as the Chief Information Officer at BluePearl.

Shaw has expressed keen interest in constructing a 5,000-seat stadium for the team, which will be under the guidance of Denise Schilte-Brown. She currently serves as the Head Coach of the University of South Florida’s women’s team, which has made eight appearances in the NCAA tournament under her leadership.

Before taking charge of the Super League team, Schilte-Brown will oversee one more season with the Bulls, with the Super League expected to commence play in August 2024