Space Coast Pro Soccer, a nascent professional soccer franchise, is planning an 8,000‑seat stadium in Melbourne, Florida, that would sit on a 53.8‑acre parcel adjacent to Melbourne Orlando International Airport. The development is being marketed as a multi‑use destination that could host USL matches, concerts and other large‑scale events.
A venue for more than just soccer
The site lies in a corridor populated by aerospace workers, and organizers say the stadium could become a community hub that serves both sports fans and the broader local workforce. By integrating entertainment and gathering spaces, the project hopes to extend the economic ripple effects beyond the pitch.
Adrian Heath, who spent six years coaching Orlando City and led the club to two United Soccer League titles, has been appointed as the new team’s first manager. His experience in building competitive squads is expected to lend credibility to the franchise as it prepares for its inaugural season.
Thomas Bonner, chief executive of Space Coast Pro Soccer, said the organization wants to create a destination that benefits the city’s residents and the aerospace sector, though the plan still requires approval from the city’s Planning & Zoning Board after a series of public hearings.
Timeline and next steps
If the planning board grants clearance, the club aims to be ready for its first USL match in 2028, a schedule that aligns with the projected completion of the stadium. Local business owners, such as Nathaniel Carter of the nearby Apollo Diner, anticipate a boost in patronage once the venue becomes operational.