Jacksonville Armada renderings released: City Council approves rezoning for soccer stadium
The Jacksonville Armada released renderings for its proposed soccer stadium Wednesday, the franchise's next step in its projected return to professional soccer.
The Jacksonville City Council on Tuesday night voted to approve a rezoning plan north of the sports complex on the Eastside, removing another hurdle for the Jacksonville Armada's planned stadium development project.
The City Council voted 15-0 in favor of Ordinance 2023-0653, which would permit "Commercial, Offices & Multi-Family Residential Uses, Including a Soccer Entertainment Complex" on the 7.58-acre property, located directly north of the Arlington Expressway ramp west of the Mathews Bridge.
The Armada had released preliminary video renderings Nov. 2 for the proposed soccer stadium, which would seat 2,500 to 3,000 spectators in its initial form before planned subsequent expansion. The club also intends to develop commercial office space within the same complex.
The Armada, which previously competed in the now-dormant North American Soccer League from 2015 to 2017, announced plans at the start of the month to return to professional competition in 2025 with the MLS Next Pro league.
Where is the planned Jacksonville Armada stadium?
The Armada plans to build the stadium on property bounded by A. Philip Randolph Boulevard to the west, Grant Street to the north, Georgia Street to the east and the ramp to the Arlington Expressway and Mathews Bridge to the south.
At present, the property is among the parking areas used for Jaguars games, Florida-Georgia football and other major events at EverBank Stadium, designated as Lot XX and Lot Y.
Owner Robert Palmer repeated at the start of the month that he intends to build the stadium entirely with private funds.
Palmer said the club eventually plans to expand the stadium capacity above 10,000 in a project expected to cost $60-80 million.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Armada soccer stadium: Renderings, City Council rezoning
