VSI Tampa Bay FC publicly announced Thursday that it will play its 2013 USL PRO, W-League and PDL franchise soccer matches at Plant City Stadium.
A lease of the stadium was approved at a Plant City commissioners meeting March 25. The 6,700-seat stadium, which includes first-class facilities, is currently being converted to a soccer-specific stadium with additional seating that will further enclose the field to ensure a traditional soccer atmosphere.
The expansion USL PRO team is currently 1-1 on the season and will open its 2013 home schedule at Plant City Stadium April 13 against the Rochester Rhinos. The Flames face the Portland Timbers Reserves on the road April 7, coming off the franchise’s first win in a 1-0 victory over the LA Blues.
The PDL and W-League seasons are set to open on Friday, May 17, against the Ocala Stampede and the Carolina Elite Cobras, respectively.
“This is already a tremendous facility and with the adjustments we are immediately undertaking, it will make the stadium a great place to host elite soccer matches,” VSI director of soccer Clay Roberts said. “We very much look forward to playing our first USL PRO match on Saturday, April 13, against the Rochester Rhinos.
Plant City mayor Mike Sparkman said that he is pleased with the lease and feels it is a good fit in Plant City.
“We are thrilled to have VSI Tampa Bay FC coming to Plant City,” he said in a release. “Soccer is such a growing sport, especially with the youth of today, and specifically here in Plant City. To be able to have one of our city stadium’s being used is wonderful and we know this partnership will bring great excitement within our community.”
According to John Mitchell, VSI head of operations, North America, VSI hopes to develop a long-term relationship with Plant City as part of their overall soccer strategy in the U.S.
“This now enables VSI to fully focus on its other soccer projects, including a main stadium development (28,888 seats) in the Tampa Bay area.”