The following are various media articles and segments that the Paradise Coast Sports Complex was featured in.
May 25, 2025 – Naples Daily News
Collier County could raise its tourist tax for build-out of Paradise Coast Sports Complex
Collier County voters could be asked to hike tourist tax by a penny
Naples Daily News
- Collier County commissioners are considering a one-cent increase to the tourist tax to fund the completion of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex.
- The proposed increase, which would require voter approval in 2026, would generate nearly $10 million annually for additional fields and a field house.
- While generally supportive, commissioners requested more information on the tax increase’s impact and benefits before making a final decision this fall.
Collier County could raise its tourist tax by a penny to build out the Paradise Coast Sports Complex.
At a board meeting May 27, county commissioners generally supported the idea, but they wanted more information before making a final decision.
Commissioners will send their questions to county manager Amy Patterson individually, so she can get them all answered and provide the board with a better understanding of the impacts and benefits of the tax increase at a future meeting.
Board chairman Burt Saunders pitched the idea, saying he saw it as the only way to raise the $40 million to $50 million needed to finish the county-owned sports and entertainment complex. Finishing the complex is one of his top priorities, in his third and final term as a county commissioner.
“It’s been no secret,” he said. “I’ve been a champion of wanting to complete this park.”
Over the years, the project has faced many challenges, from cost overruns to supply chain issues, with a lot of mistakes made, but a lot of lessons learned, Saunders said.
“We have what I believe to be a real gem of a park,” he said. “It’s just not finished.”
The county charges a 5% tourist tax on overnight stays at hotels and other vacation rentals. Those taxes are used to fund destination marketing, beach maintenance, and other tourism-related attractions and activities, including the sports complex — located off Collier Boulevard, near Interstate 75 in East Naples.
Raising the tax would require voter approval through a referendum. The county could not lobby or push for voter approval in any way, but could only act as a conduit for information.
What an extra penny would generate
The extra penny could generate nearly $10 million a year to support the build-out of the complex. The build-out would include more fields and a field house, which could double as an emergency shelter, particularly for hurricanes.
If commissioners agree to pursue the extra penny, it could be done by a simple majority vote. The referendum would appear on the ballot for the next general election, scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
If approved by voters, the tax increase would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
The county hired Hunden Partners to do a feasibility and economic impact study for future phases of the sports complex. A draft of that report suggests a major expansion of baseball and softball diamonds would have the greatest benefit, generating more hotel stays and as a result more tourist taxes — and maximizing the county’s return on investment.
The expansion could add five softball and six baseball diamonds.
The county has spent more than $114 million on the sports complex. The complex was initially estimated to cost between $60 million and $80 million.
During discussions, Saunders emphasized the many benefits of the complex for the community, beyond attracting out-of-town groups, and other visitors for regional and national sporting events, including tournaments. The venue is used by local children, and their families, for team practices and games, and for recreation, and it’s now the home of FC Naples, a professional soccer team.
“I think all of us have witnessed at least one of the FC soccer matches, where you get 4,000 to 4,500 people out there,” Saunders said. “Everybody’s having a wonderful time. It is just a wonderful facility. We just need to finish it, in my view.”
Although the additional tax would raise costs for overnight visitors, Saunders argued it wouldn’t make a big impact on the tourist industry itself, but would make a huge difference in the county’s ability to attract more teams and visitors in the offseason, particularly in June, July and August.
“It is a tremendous engine for tourism, and with baseball fields and softball fields, that engine will be running really, really very smoothly,” he said.
If the new fields have artificial turf, they could be used year-round. The county closes its natural grass fields in the summer months, for repair and maintenance, on a staggered schedule, limiting play.
Final decision expected by fall
The board is expected to make a final decision on whether to authorize the tax hike by fall. If the referendum moves forward, Saunders suggested getting the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, or other civic or business organizations involved to wage a campaign in favor of it.
Commissioner Bill McDaniel said he supported Saunders bringing the initiative forward, but he had a number of questions and concerns that would have to be answered and addressed before he got 100% behind it.
He said he wanted to know the total cost of adding the fields and the field house, the ongoing costs of maintaining and operating them, and other financial information, including how much the expansion could generate in additional revenue for the complex.
In reply, Saunders said: “I think all of us need those answers, obviously.”
Commissioner Chris Hall said he was all for the idea.
“You know, we say that growth pays for growth,” he said. “I think this is a great way for tourism to pay for tourism.”
Alessandro Martin, the community engagement officer for FC Naples, who was born and raised in Naples, said with growth comes responsibility, including creating more recreational outlets for local kids.
“These are places where they can grow, where they can stay active and stay out of trouble,” he said. “Expanding these fields means more kids outdoors … It creates more opportunities to build character, discipline and friendships, as well as keeping them away from bad influences.”
Chris Lopez, a regional director for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, said his group supports the build-out of the sports complex, which he described as “immensely impressive” as it exists today. Adding the fields, he said, would be a tremendous tourism driver, especially in the summer months.
“These tournaments and these teams still travel all summer long,” he said. “They come from all over the country, all over the world, and we think Naples should be their first stop in those summer games.”
Like McDaniel, Lopez said he would want to see the costs for construction and upkeep, and the expected return on investment, before his group decides on whether it would be willing to champion a tourist tax increase to pay for the expansion of the park.
“We’re here in full support of finding the right plan and the most cost effective plan to get the PCSC (Paradise Coast Sports Complex) finally built out,” he said.
Adrian Moses, the complex’s general manager, said revenues continue to grow, and operations continue to improve, and the addition of fields and a field house would only build on that momentum. He provided letters from five operators of baseball and softball tournaments in support of the expansion, spelling out how they would use and benefit from the new fields, including in the summer months.
Demand for fields exceeds capacity
Even now, there is more demand for the existing fields than there is capacity.
“We’re unable to justify giving everyone exactly what they want. So, we end up having to compromise, and inconveniencing everyone equally,” Moses said.
He described the complex as a premier sporting venue, but emphasized that it shouldn’t rest on its laurels, and that it should continually stay on “top of the tree.”
Jack Adams, a senior vice president for Sports Facilities Cos., reminded county commissioners that before his company took over as the operator of the complex it had a $1.6 million operating deficit, and it’s now profitable.
“We’re heading towards about a $500,000 surplus this year,” he said. “Those are dollars that can be used … for other purposes in the county, or for the ongoing maintenance of the park.”
With the addition of the baseball and soccer fields, the surplus could be close to $2 million, he said.
He added that a field house would be “very, very productive,” along with the fields.
“We can make both of those a net positive, and each one just has a construction cost that you need to consider,” Adams said.
Jay Tusa, the county’s tourism director, detailed how much lower the average daily rate and room bookings are in the summer, versus in the peak of season, and stressed how that could change with the expansion of the sports park, benefiting hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
He said he’d crunch some numbers to give commissioners a better idea of the potential economic impact of the expansion for the board’s next discussion.
After hearing from the various speakers, commissioner Rick LoCastro said that while the discussion is about tourist taxes, it’s still county money, and it must be managed properly.
Leaning into marketing will be one of the keys
If the referendum moves forward, LoCastro said the right kind of marketing campaign is needed, to ensure that residents know that it won’t raise their taxes and understand the county has learned from past mistakes with this project and others, which have cost more to build, manage and maintain than expected.
“We got to really get it right, or it’ll be another one of those great things that got done, but had a whole bunch of sloppiness to it,” LoCastro said.
In wrapping up his comments, Saunders said he understood there wasn’t yet official support from the tourist industry for the tax increase, but he remained optimistic.
“I think we’ll get there,” he said. “I think that they’ll recognize that it’s in their best interest to do this.”
To build the sports complex, county commissioners voted to raise the tourist, or bed tax from 4% to 5% in 2017. At that time, hoteliers and tourism promoters opposed the increase, arguing it would make them less competitive, especially for group business. A referendum was not required then, but state law has since changed, mandating public approval.
To be eligible to collect a sixth cent, a county must be certified as a “high tourism-impact county,” which requires collecting over $30 million a year in tourist taxes.
In fiscal 2024, the county’s tax collections reached $48.6 million, a record amount.
– Lauran Layden – Author – Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience – Naples, FL
– Gaylene Salomons – Author – News-press
Naples Hosts Inflatable 5K Race at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in May 2025
Get pumped for an awesome bouncy adventure at Paradise Coast Sports Complex. On May 17, 2025, Naples turns into a giant playground with twelve huge inflatable obstacles. The cool part? You’ll bounce, crawl, and jump through each obstacle not once, but twice.
The fun kicks off at 9:00 AM at 3940 City Gate Blvd. You can pick from three start times – 9 AM, 10 AM, or 11 AM. Each group is limited to 150 people, so you won’t get stuck waiting in long lines.
If you’re at least 42 inches tall, you’re good to go! While the full course is 3.1 miles, you can opt for a shorter 1.55-mile route and still hit all the obstacles. Don’t worry about racing – though there are clocks at the finish line if you want to track your time. For $45, you’ll get a cool medal, your pick of a sweat-wicking shirt in red, yellow, or blue with local designs, plus a cold drink at the finish line. The complex is run by Collier County, with Sports Facilities Companies managing it. Tourist taxes help keep everything running smoothly. After you finish, you can grab some food from the food trucks and browse local vendor booths. Going through each obstacle twice creates over 20 different challenges. This clever setup makes things more fun while keeping the course from getting too crowded.
– Diana Beasley – Editor – B103.9.com
March 26, 2025 – Naples Illustrated
FC Naples Brings Professional Soccer to Collier County
This month marks the debut season of the first professional soccer team in Collier County. FC Naples, the newly formed team, is part of the United Soccer League, a professional soccer organization found in communities across North America, with more than 200 clubs. FC Naples is based at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, a 175-acre venue located less than 10 miles from downtown Naples.
Last July, Matt “Gaffa” Poland was named the team’s head coach and sporting director. Poland, who has played professionally with European clubs, also earned accolades as a coach in Europe. His most recent coaching opportunity was with another startup organization, Chicago House AC. Prior to that, he was the head coach of Naples United Football Club, a semiprofessional soccer club based in Naples. Under Poland’s leadership, the team ranked fourth in the country. During the offseason, Poland, who has made Marco Island his home base for the past 13 years, coaches local boys’ and girls’ teams. Since his appointment, Poland has been building out the FC Naples roster, signing players and holding tryouts with hopes of assembling a title-contending team that becomes the pride of Southwest Florida.
“I knew Naples would be the perfect place for a professional soccer team,” says Poland. “Getting the opportunity to build FC Naples in the community I love is a dream come true.”
Poland will spend time developing local talent, so soccer becomes a popular sport to play—and watch—locally.
– Gaylene Salomons – Author – Naples Illustrated
March 25, 2025 – Naples Daily News
Paradise Coast Trail: It’s coming along for walking, biking and running enthusiasts
The Naples Pathways Coalition is the driving force behind an ambitious project for more options for walking, running, and bicycling without worry of getting hit by cars. The project, Paradise Coast Trail, was introduced by the coalition in 2018. It is proposed as 100 miles of paved pathway, separate from roads, that will connect Naples to Ave Maria and to Collier Seminole State Park, and Bonita Springs, according to the coalition’s executive director, Michelle Avola-Brown.
In 2023, the state Legislature adopted the segment of the Paradise Coast Trail from Marco Island through Naples, the new Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Ave Maria, Everglades City, and Immokalee into the state’s SUN Trail network that runs through the state. The portion of the trail from Collier Seminole State Park to Bonita Springs was already included in the SUN Trail, so now the entire length of the Paradise trail is part of the state’s SUN Trail network. A couple of project studies are taking place now and over the next year for the design of the Paradise trail, Avola-Brown said
According to a 2024 state project report, the Paradise trail project cost (by the state Department of Transportation) is $25 million and would create 425 jobs. Avola-Brown said typically the cost for paved off-road trails is $1 million per mile of trail.
A state economic impact statement says: “The trail is slated to stabilize active tourism as Naples beaches suffer from red tide, providing more economic stability to a region heavily dependent on tourism dollars. The trail will further enhance and integrate into the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, a large-scale sporting events facility including a stadium, 18 playing fields, lakes and trails.”
The coalition says support for the trail has been tremendous. The Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization has endorsed it and there is funding from the state.
“Notably, our proactive approach has already cut five years from the typical planning timeline,” according to the group’s website. “This progress reflects the broad community support we’ve garnered, including vital contributions from Collier County and the City of Naples.”
– Liz Freeman – Health Reporter – Naples Daily News
FC Naples’ historic home opener draws thousands of excited supporters
NAPLES, Fla. — Soccer fans in Southwest Florida had plenty to cheer about as FC Naples geared up for its first-ever game at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex on Saturday. Thousands of excited supporters packed the stadium for the club’s inaugural home match, marking a historic moment for the region’s soccer community.
“Inaugural night, we’re going to win this game!” one excited fan said.
Dressed in gold, white, and blue, families and supporters gathered to watch FC Naples take on the Chattanooga Red Wolves. The match was sold out, showing the area’s growing passion for professional soccer.
“It’s a groundbreaking experience here in Naples,” another fan said. “We’re so excited to have a professional soccer team, right?” a young supporter added, joining in the excitement.
For many, the arrival of FC Naples fulfilled a longtime desire to have a hometown team.
“I’ve been a soccer fan for 15 years, so finally having a team I can watch in person is amazing,” one attendee shared.
Before kickoff, emotions ran high, with some fans predicting a kncok out performance.
“Five-nothing… yeah, 5-0! We’re going to see a lot of goals scored today,” one supporter confidently predicted.
Others were cautiously optimistic, eager to see how the brand-new team would perform.
“Hopefully, we win. It’s going to be interesting because it’s a new team—we won’t know what to expect until the whistle blows and the game starts,” another fan said.
While the energy inside the stadium was electric, some attendees faced challenges with parking and check-in. FC Naples and Collier County deputies acknowledged the issues and said improvements are already in the works to enhance fan access for future matches.
– Mahmoud Bennett – WFTX Community Correspondent – Fox 4 Southwest Florida
– Fox 4 Southwest Florida
March 3, 2025 – Gulf Coast News Now
FC Naples kicks off historic inaugural season Saturday at Paradise Coast Sports Complex
NAPLES, Fla. —
The United Soccer League’s newest club has brought professional soccer to Southwest Florida as FC Naples’ inaugural season is set to kick off this weekend. FC Naples is scheduled to host its first-ever professional matchup against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC at 7 p.m. at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. The club’s inaugural roster is a diverse one. There are players of all ages from all parts of the world, including 12 different nationalities. Some of the guys have played professionally for years, including goalkeeper Lalo Delgado and defender Brecc Evans, while others are just starting their post-college careers. Since FC Naples is a new program, all of those guys will be involved in shaping the club’s future. The rise and interest of FC Naples is just beginning. The club begins its inaugural season this Saturday.
Fans can get their tickets through the team’s website.
– Zach Scott – Digital Producer – Gulf Coast News Now
December 18, 2024 – Naples Daily News
Paradise Coast Sports Complex sees more profits, revenues with more fields
More fields have translated to more money at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. The venue, owned by Collier County, had an even better year than expected. In the fiscal year ending in October, the complex generated more than $2.6 million in revenue, with a gross profit of nearly $1.67 million. Revenue rose by more than $516,000 over the year.
Adrian Moses, the complex’s general manager, shared the results with the Collier County Tourist Development Council on Tuesday. The council advises county commissioners on tourism matters. The complex added four more full-size multipurpose turf fields in late 2023, which can be used for different sports, including football, soccer and lacrosse.
“They were delayed, from forever, but we finally got our hands on them to use,” Moses said.
Construction hold-ups and disputes delayed their delivery. With those additional fields, there can be larger events. Larger events mean more food and beverage sales, which is where most of the profits come from, Moses said.
Located off Collier Boulevard near Interstate 75 in East Naples, the venue operates seven days a week. Last year it hosted 75 sporting events and tournaments, along with 104 community events. Of the 75 sporting events, 34 qualified as “economic impact events,” Moses said, meaning they drew in visitors from outside of the county, who spent their money inside of the county. The complex hosts tournaments throughout the year, including youth travel soccer, lacrosse and football events, and much more – from movies on the lawn and Easter egg hunts to weddings and concerts. With repeat events, management is finding ways to run them more efficiently, which is boosting profits, Moses said.
Based on data confirmed by the county’s tourism consultant, the complex had an estimated economic impact of $47 million to $49 million last year in the county. The impact in mainly attributable to the hotel bookings and the other spending at local businesses generated by the events. Last year, the sports fields saw more than 6,200 hours of use, and the complex drew in more than 532,000 visitors, Moses said.
Other highlights of the year include hosting:
- The first field hockey event
- The world’s largest youth football tournament
- The first-ever drone show for Fourth of July
The complex also attracted the county’s first professional sports team. FC Naples, a professional soccer team, will begin playing there in March.
Clearwater-based Sports Facilities Cos. took over the management of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in 2021. The complex is the only one in the management company’s portfolio that has a professional sports team as a tenant, demonstrating its significance, Moses said.
“It’s rare for us as well,” he said. “So, it’s a big deal and we’re excited for it.”
He shared other achievements over the last year include obtaining a full liquor license and securing a corporate sponsorship that allows county residents to use The Factory open-air fitness center for free during off hours. Currently, the complex has nine full-sized fields, including the 3,500-seat stadium, and six sand volleyball courts. One day, there could be 21 fields.
Looking ahead, Moses said he expects this year to be even better than last for a few reasons, including operational changes and capital improvements – and the inaugural season of FC Naples. This year revenue is budgeted at more than $3.98 million and gross profit at more than $2.47 million. If realized, profits would be more than $800,000 higher than last year. One yet-to-be-fully-realized benefit is expected to come from the recent opening of the Great Wolf Lodge, with 500 family-friend suites, nearby.
“We’ve got some things to look forward to,” Moses said. “We still haven’t seen the full impact of what the Great Wolf Lodge will provide us.”
– Laura Layden – Senior business reporter – Naples Daily News
USA Field Hockey hosts national event at Paradise Coast Sports Complex
NAPLES, Fla. — This weekend the National 2024 Hockey Festival is taking over the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. USA Field Hockey is using nine turf fields for players of all ages. They’ve partnered up with 3-Step Sports, which says it’s the “nation’s largest and most impactful youth sports club.” Players will take the field for 55 minute games from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. They’ve come from all over the country to play in Naples, with their parents watching proudly nearby.
“I’m down here with my daughter and her team is here for a weekend tournament,” one parent said. “The complex is beautiful, We had no trouble getting in and out. It’s got some amenities down the road, lots of stuff right on site. Really well organized, really clean and it’s going to be a great weekend.”
The complex opened in 2020 and has been hosting sporting and community events ever since. Plus, it’s the home of FC Naples, which will have its first game in early March. More of the complex is being constructed, but as it has been doing, the complex will continue to host events.
– Kaitlin Knapp – WFTX Senior Reporter – Fox 4 Southwest Florida
Future plans for Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Collier County
There’s a lack of baseball and softball facilities in collier county, meaning some of those teams have to travel far, but Paradise Coast Sports Complex is trying to change that. Collier County’s Paradise Coast Sports Complex, which opened in July 2020, has been forced to use other county park fields for events during peak season as it struggles to accommodate an increasing demand.
“As we look forward to the future, we are looking to include the future development of baseball and softball facilities, which were the in the original plans that would benefit the community,” said general manager Adrian Moses.
In a 3-2 vote, with commissioner Chris Hall and commissioner Dan Kowal voting no, commissioners asked staff to begin an evaluation to provide recommendations on phases 4 and 5, including 11 fields, and whether it would be beneficial to conduct another feasibility study. Wink News asked Paradise Coast Sports Complex general manager Adrian Moses about future plans for this place including the addition of a professional soccer team.
“The soccer team are great. The emphasis of the addition of the baseball field assets as multi purpose fields means that when we have large tournaments that come to collier county, that put a burden on the county parks, because we use those fields as well, means that we can drive all of that traffic to this park and be able to give those fields back to the community on those event weekends.
“We don’t have a ton of beds in that direct general area when it comes to hotels,” said Commissioner Kowal. “So maybe there’ll be opportunity for a private money to come into the area and build some more hotels and things like that.”
The plan is for county staff to provide information on the complex to commissioners next month.
– Michelle Alvarez – Collier County, Wink News
February 7, 2024 – Hospitalitynet.org
A Focus on Sports in Naples Attracts a Younger Demographic
The Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Naples’ premier sports and special-events venue, opened in December 2020 and has been ramping up operations and expanding since. The 180-acre venue features eight multi-use fields (for soccer, lacrosse, and football), a stadium, and six sand volleyball courts as athletic facilities. Event, entertainment, and recreational spaces at the complex include the Great Lawn and Great Lawn Amphitheater, the Factory outdoor fitness facility with the MoveStrong obstacle course, and the Cove beer and wine bar. Phase III of development is currently underway. A ninth field and eleven diamond fields for baseball and softball are expected to open by 2025.
Hotels in the vicinity of the sports complex are realizing the benefit of its presence, particularly through average rate increases. Since Paradise Coast’s 2020 opening, average rates have far surpassed historical levels, and local hotel operators have noted an increase in youth and adult sports teams booking multi-night stays. Furthermore, concerts and other community events have prompted overnight visitation from Florida residents outside of the immediate local market. These visitors also take advantage of the entertainment facilities of the complex.
Moreover, the area surrounding Paradise Coast Sports Complex (known as the Golden Gate Innovation Zone) is growing, as supporting businesses take advantage of county incentives and the popularity of the venue. A Great Wolf Lodge, a resort featuring an indoor waterpark and other family-friendly attractions, is currently under construction and is expected to open in October 2024. An ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham is expected to be constructed by 2026.
The anticipated expansion of the sports complex and addition of new hotel inventory coincides with the entrance of the newest League One club, USL Naples, to the United Soccer League in 2025. While bringing a soccer club to the area has been in the works for many years, the January 2024 announcement has come at a perfect time for Collier County, as its sports complex ramps up and gains recognition among both visitors and locals. This addition is expected to help draw younger generations of tourists and residents; a local professional sports team is an especially important feature for millennials and Gen Zers. With 32 regular-season games scheduled for 2025 between March and November (16 of which will be hosted at Paradise Coast Sports Complex), hotel operators are anticipating an uptick in visitation from younger travelers during an off-peak period in this market.
Our work within local markets empowers us to conduct primary interviews with key market participants. This approach ensures we obtain real-time insights and current data for each market we operate in. We update our forecasts monthly. For more information about the Naples market or for help making informed investment decisions that align with your goals and risk tolerance, please contact Hannah McManus via LinkedIn or email.
– Hannah McManus, Project Manager, Tampa – Hospitalitynet.org
January 18, 2024 – Florida Weekly
New Expansion Club Bringing Professional Soccer Franchise To Naples –
Professional soccer is coming soon to the Paradise Coast. The United Soccer League (USL) announced it has awarded a USL League One franchise to Naples. USL Naples will begin play in 2025, led by a world-class ownership group with decades of experience in the global sports industry and investments in North American and European sports leagues. The team will call the Paradise Coast Sports Complex home. “In creating a winning plan for USL Naples, we’ve consulted with advisors and investors to bring the highest quality of professional soccer with a family-friendly environment to the region,” said USL Naples CEO Roberto Moreno. “We are committed to growing with the local community, so that our players become a source of pride and inspiration for our friends and neighbors.” USL Naples aims to establish a team that reflects Collier County’s diverse residents and business community, while supporting the next generation of local athletes. With the Azzuri Storm youth soccer club and Naples United of the NPSL, soccer has been an integral part of this region for many years. “We are thrilled to welcome USL Naples and Southwest Florida to professional soccer,” said Justin Papadakis, USL Deputy CEO & Chief Real Estate Office. “With a deeply committed, forward thinking ownership group led by Roberto Moreno, a state-of-the-art facility in the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, and a history of excellence in youth soccer, Naples is poised for immediate and long-term success as a soccer city. This new club will represent Naples and Collier County on a national and international stage and be a catalyst for both culture and business.” USL Naples states it is committed to involving the community in shaping the club. The club will host listening sessions and community-focused events throughout 2024 to connect with fans of all ages and perspectives. USL Naples will develop its name, crest, and colors – the spirit of the team – to authentically reflect the people and the place that make the Paradise Coast unique. “The addition of a professional soccer club to our community will place Southwest Florida in front of soccer fans around the country, diversifying our tourism base, supporting local businesses, and offering a healthy entertainment experience for our residents,” said Collier County Commissioner Chris Hall. Now entering its sixth year, USL League One will kick off the 2024 season in March, featuring 12 teams and live coverage of every match via national media partners such as CBS Sports. A robust, strategic expansion plan will see the league double in size within the next five years along with several new soccer-specific stadiums. United Soccer League oversees three men’s leagues (USL Championship, USL League One, USL League Two), and two women’s leagues (USL Super League, USL W League). Pictured here is the Charlotte Independence of USL League One. The Paradise Coast Sports Complex will serve as home to the USL Naples team. Opened in 2019, the 160-acre complex is anchored by PCSC Stadium, which boasts great views from every seat, designated family areas, VIP suites and cabanas, and multiple dining options and a capacity of 5,000 for soccer. The Complex also includes eight other professional level synthetic turf fields and on-site recreation and entertainment areas. “We are honored to partner with a league of distinction and excited to showcase the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in national professional competition,” said Adrian Moses, general manager of Paradise Coast Sports Complex. “From first introduction, USL Naples has demonstrated that success for them is not only on the field, but also in the community at large.” Fans are invited to meet the operating and ownership group during its kick-off party on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. The afternoon will feature games, prizes, food trucks, and goodie bags for the first 500 people. Guests will also be given the first opportunity to contribute to USL Naples’ brand identity by signing up for community engagement sessions. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more about this event and register for fan updates at www.uslnaples.com.
– Florida Weekly Staff
GOALLLLLLLL! Naples Is Getting Its First Professional Soccer Team
NAPLES, Fla. — The United Soccer League (USL) is bringing a soccer team to Naples at its new $150 million stadium at the Paradise Sports Complex. USL 1 has teams all over the country, in cities like Charleston and Knoxville for the southeast, but now this new team in Naples, a smaller metropolitan area compared with most other teams, is one the county wants to make work. “Our vision is not just to create a championship-winning team, but to establish a legacy that resonates with the pride and identity of a vibrant town,” said Roberto Moreno, CEO of USL Naples. “With an already active and growing sporting community, Naples and Collier County deserves and craves a family-friendly professional sports experience.” On Wednesday, soccer fans, executives and some of the county’s leaders celebrated as they kicked off this new chapter in sports and entertainment for the town. Chris Hall, a Collier County Commissioner and supporter of the project, is confident in the positive economic impact it will bring. “These guys are putting their heart and soul into this team and they’re going to create a culture and an image that number one, we can be proud of number two, that people will come from all over the country to see,” said Hall. For Collier County, tourism is a top economic driver and we already see it with youth soccer tournaments. However, professional soccer is an entirely different culture. Hall says the club has a seven-year commitment with the option to extend. The stadium will bring pitch-side seating, VIP suites and a 360-degree walkable viewing experience. “Look, soccer is not just a game. It’s a lifestyle and we want to inspire the next generation to embrace the love for the game and all the values it represents,” said Moreno. With the excitement rallying around this team right now, USL Naples will be hosting a kickoff party for the public on January 27. The team’s inaugural season is set to begin in March 2025, giving them 14 months to get a team, staff and a season in place.
– Bella Line – Fox4 News
New Professional Soccer Team, USL Naples, Coming To Southwest Florida
GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. — Professional soccer is coming to Southwest Florida. For the past couple of years, the United Soccer League has been looking for new markets to bring professional soccer to. So, when the Tampa-headquartered company saw that the Paradise Coast Sports Complex was being built in Golden Gate Estates, they kept Southwest Florida as a possible new location. Now it’s official. The league held an introductory press conference on Wednesday to announce their newest pro club – USL Naples. “Super excited,” USL League One President Lee O’Neill said. “Full of excitement and really looking forward to them joining the League One family.” The new club will compete in USL League One, which is in the third tier of American professional soccer. It is equivalent to the AA in baseball and the ECHL in hockey – the league that the Florida Everblades are in. League One is a perfect platform for young prospects to work on their game and prove they deserve to be in the big leagues, including Southwest Florida players. “The youth players now in Collier County are getting to be counterparts to those professional players and see what it takes to be a professional,” USL CEO Justin Papadakis said. USL Naples will hold its first tryouts this summer, and then begin play in March of 2025. “They’re already highly competitive and want to do well on the pitch, which I think is going to drive a really good entertainment value for everyone involved,” O’Neill said. The season will run from March through November each year. USL Naples will have 20-25 home games per season, each about two weeks apart and all at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. The matches, home and away, will be streamed on ESPN or CBS, which will bring national exposure to our local community. “It’s a thriving market and a great opportunity for the people of Naples,” O’Neill said. So mark your calendar. Pro soccer is coming to Southwest Florida in 2025. “Naples, get ready for a professional soccer revolution,” USL Naples CEO Roberto Moreno said. USL Naples is separate from the already existing semi-pro soccer team, Naples United FC, that plays at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. Both clubs will share the field when their seasons overlap. While they are not affiliated with each other or in the same league, some of the Naples United FC players could have the opportunity to sign pro contracts with USL Naples.
– Jaron May – NBC2
United Soccer League Bringing Expansion Club To Naples
– Zach Oliveri – Wink News
January 17, 2024 – Naples Daily News
United Soccer League One To Bring Pro Team To Naples’ Paradise Coast Sports Complex in 2025
Professional soccer is coming to Collier County. The United Soccer League announced Wednesday that USL Naples has been awarded a United Soccer League One franchise, delivering the professional version of the world’s most popular sport to the region for the first time. The team, which has yet to be named, will begin play at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex stadium in March 2025. USL Naples will play between March and November with home games every other week, along with playing international friendlies throughout the year. USL1 teams will play 32 regular season games followed by playoffs in 2024. “There are very few times when the stars all align to really create something special. This team in Naples will be truly special, and will be a huge community asset,” United Soccer League Deputy CEO Justin Papadakis said. “Having a pro sports team close to home drives so many factors and assets across the board. People have a choice where to live, and so many are looking for a pro sports team. After today, Collier County can check that box.” “Bringing the first professional soccer team to Naples is a dream realized,” USL Naples CEO Roberto Moreno said. “Our vision is not only to bring a championship team but to establish a legacy and vibrancy. Naples and Collier County deserves and craves a first-class sporting experience. There is no better combination than right here. … Naples, get ready for a soccer revolution.” Moreno said that the first of USL Naples’ community events is a kickoff party set for Saturday, Jan. 27 at 3 pm at Paradise Coast Sports Complex. He also said the squad will be built throughout 2024 in preparation for the team’s first game. Professional soccer in the United States is split into two main organizations: the United Soccer League (USL) and Major League Soccer (MLS). USL Naples will compete in USL’s League One, the middle of three men’s leagues that the soccer organization supports throughout the country. USL Championship teams compete in major-market cities like Detroit, Las Vegas, and San Antonio. Florida boasts two USL Championship teams – the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Miami FC. League One sports teams competing in cities like Charlotte, N.C., Chattanooga, Tenn., and Spokane, Wash. Expansion franchises in Brooklyn, Santa Barbara, Calif., and Portland, Ore., are also set to begin play in 2025. That expansion will create 16 teams competing in USL League One – which began play in 2019. The USL targets communities ranging in population from 150,000 to one million – markets that represent more than 75 million people without access to a local professional soccer club – for franchises in League One. The Tampa-based USL also organizes three women’s divisions – USL Super League and the USL W League – and two youth-based initiatives to grow the sport. Papadakis said that the presence of the 180-acre Paradise Coast Sports Complex, and its 3,500-seat stadium, was a critical facet in choosing Naples for a new franchise. “Without Collier County’s vision, not just to build this complex but this state-of-the-art stadium, putting the other pieces of all this together does not happen,” Papadakis said. “We see USL stadiums as community living rooms, where folks can come together week in and week out and be one community. Having this amazing facility to where families and friends can come to witness some amazing soccer is so awesome.” Collier County commissioners Chris Hall, Rick LoCastro, Dan Kowal, Burt Saunders, and Bill McDaniel were all present at Wednesday’s press conference. “The old saying is ‘If you build it, they will come.’ Well, we threw 150 million in taxpayer money at this complex, and they are certainly coming,” Hall said. “The creativity that is behind this entire club – the marketing plans, the team structure – is top-notch. What makes a brand work extremely well is when they win. This ownership group wants to win, and they have the character needed to make this work. “We are completely behind this, and I feel strongly confident that the management team at Paradise Coast Sports Complex will get them everything they need. This is a world-class destination, we have world-class leadership, and now we get a world-class club.”* USL Naples will be hosting community listening sessions in the coming months to allow soccer fans to help choose the franchise’s name, colors and mascot. Games in USL League One are broadcast on ESPN and CBS Sports platforms. “Every game will be a two-hour commercial for Collier County,” Papadaski said “We are really fortunate to have (semi-pro organizations) Naples United and Azzurri Storm, which helped really build the foundation of soccer here and paved the way. Now we get to build on that foundation with professional soccer, and we can’t be more excited.”
Central Valley Fuego FC (Fresno, Calif.)
Charlotte Independence (N.C.)
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (Tenn.)
Forward Madison FC (Wis.)
Greenville Triumph SC (S.C.)
One Knoxville SC (Tenn.)
Lexington SC (Ky.)
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (Windsor, Colo.)
Richmond Kickers (Va.)
South Georgia Tormenta FC (Statesboro, Ga.)
Spokane Velocity FC (Wash.)
Union Omaha (Neb.)
Brooklyn FC
January 4, 2024 – Gulfshore Life
Jazz On The Lawn – YaYa Diamond & the Dream Chasers are the featured headlining artists at the 2nd Annual Jazz on the Lawn, 4 – 7 p.m., Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd., Naples. Decyo McDuffie is the opening act and Omgitwicks will serve as the fundraising event’s emcee. Limited VIP tickets, which include a catered Southern picnic sampler dinner, two drink tickets and access to a premium viewing area, are $100. General admission is $45 in advance and $55 at the door. It is recommended that all ticket holders bring blankets or lawn chairs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are on sale now through the Friends of the Collier County Museums at www.foccm.org.
– Gulfshore Life Staff
January 4, 2024 – Naples Florida Weekly
Get Out For A Good Cause – Friends of the Collier County Museums hosts the 2nd Annual Jazz on the Lawn 4–7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd., Naples. YaYa Diamond & the Dream Chasers are the featured headlining artists and Decyo McDuffie is the opening act. Omgitswicks, a video creator and comedian whose content has gained 1.5 million fans on his TikTok account, will serve as the fundraising event’s emcee. Limited VIP tickets, which include a catered Southern picnic sampler dinner, two drink tickets and access to a premium viewing area, are $100. General admission is $45 in advance and $55 at the door. It is recommended that all ticket holders bring blankets or lawn chairs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are on sale now through the Friends of the Collier County Museums at www.foccm.org. The event benefits The Black History Baggage Car Project at the Naples Depot Museum. Contact [email protected] or call (248) 866-4364 for sponsorship information.
– Naples Weekly Staff
