JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The proposed Sporting JAX stadium near the St. Johns Town Center is still in its earliest planning stages, with environmental permitting underway and additional public review still ahead before construction could begin.
After hearing questions from viewers about where the project stands, News4JAX reporter Briana Brownlee and photojournalist Jesse Hanson reached out to Sporting JAX for an update.
The organization said it has filed permits with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, a review process it expects could take one to two years.
Sporting JAX also said it is preparing to file a Planned Unit Development, or PUD, with the city of Jacksonville. That filing begins the city’s formal planning process, including public hearings where residents will have additional opportunities to provide feedback before any final approvals.
The proposed development includes a 15,000-seat soccer stadium surrounded by restaurants, retail, housing and other mixed-use development near I-295 and Town Center Parkway.
Sporting JAX continues to target a 2028 opening.
Sporting JAX provided the following statement:
This project is still in its earliest planning stages. Last week’s meetings with HOAs and community members were productive, giving us the opportunity to answer questions, hear feedback, and have an open dialogue. As we move forward, we will continue to provide updates on the project and its benefits. We will also continue working with the City, residents, and stakeholders to deliver a project that benefits the community for generations to come.
The organization also said the planning process is expected to continue into next year and that residents will have additional opportunities to participate as the proposal moves through the city’s review process.
Some neighbors say they still have questions about how the project could affect the surrounding area.
John Kirkland, who has lived in the neighborhood since 2018, said he wants more information before reaching a conclusion.
“What are the boundaries? Where’s the stadium going in? I’ve seen some renderings that there’s going to be a lot of secondary construction around it, some other venues, which is all fine. We want to know where and when,” Kirkland said. “Development’s going to happen in Jacksonville, but we would like to have an honest, open conversation with these developers.”
Katie Hopkins said she was surprised when she learned about the proposal because she believed the property could not be developed. She added that it has caused frustration and shock.
“When we bought this home years ago, we were under the understanding that it was protected wetlands and protected wildlife area, and so we assumed that nothing could be built there. So I think my initial reaction was just frustration, kind of a little bit of shock, and also just immediate thoughts of traffic, noise,” Hopkins said. “St. Johns Bluff that goes into the Town Center is bad already, and we had to fight to get a stoplight out of our neighborhood, and we’re so glad we have that. But now, adding a huge stadium, a huge shopping area, and homes is going to add to that traffic and make it even worse”
Not everyone who lives nearby opposes the proposal.
Clarence Taylor lives near the potential site and believes the development would benefit the area.
“It’s convenient; you don’t have to drive all the way across downtown. It’s something nice for the Southside,” Taylor said.
According to Sporting JAX, the environmental permitting process and city review are among the next major steps before construction could begin.
If the Planned Unit Development application is filed, the proposal would move through Jacksonville’s public planning process, which includes additional review and public hearings where residents can comment before city leaders consider final approvals.