Sporting Jax to build new stadium in Jacksonville's Town Center

The mixed-use development will combine professional sports, entertainment, hospitality, and retail into one walkable area.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Sporting Jax, a professional sports club, has announced plans to build a new stadium and mixed-use development in Jacksonville's Town Center area. The project, led by owner Ricky Caplin and NFL legends Fred Taylor and Tim Tebow, aims to create a destination where people can gather even when there are no games. While supporters are excited about the economic impact and opportunities it could bring, some neighboring residents express concerns about the potential disruption to the quiet, natural area.

Why it matters

The Sporting Jax development is seen as a transformational project for Jacksonville, as it will bring professional sports, entertainment, and economic growth to the area. However, the project has raised concerns from nearby residents about the potential impact on the local environment and community.

The details

The Sporting Jax development will include a new stadium, as well as a mixed-use district featuring professional sports, entertainment, hospitality, residential living, and retail. The project is being led by owner Ricky Caplin and NFL legends Fred Taylor and Tim Tebow. The goal is to create a destination that will attract people to the area even when there are no games or events taking place.

  • Sporting Jax announced the project on March 2, 2026.
  • The club says it hopes to begin construction on the new stadium as soon as possible, but an exact groundbreaking date has not yet been set.

The players

Sporting Jax

A professional sports club that has announced plans to build a new stadium and mixed-use development in Jacksonville's Town Center area.

Ricky Caplin

The owner of Sporting Jax.

Fred Taylor

A former NFL running back and member of the Sporting Jax investment group.

Tim Tebow

A former NFL quarterback and member of the Sporting Jax investment group.

Michael McNaughton

A developer involved in the Sporting Jax project.

Roger Carlson

A resident of the Southside neighborhood near the proposed Sporting Jax development.

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What they’re saying

“It will bring people to an exciting place when even nothing exciting is going on.”

— Michael McNaughton, Developer (yahoo.com)

“I knew what it was like to play in another team's stadium. Imagine renting a home? You get tired of that, right? Well, now you have a home.”

— Fred Taylor, Former NFL running back (yahoo.com)

“For kids that look like myself, that come from broken backgrounds, that come from demographics where the opportunities weren't large. But now that's going to change.”

— Fred Taylor, Former NFL running back (yahoo.com)

“It's just nice and quiet and jungle. I really hate to see it disturbed. We've had all kinds of wildlife and everything there, and so I do hate to see it disturbed.”

— Roger Carlson, Resident (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Sporting Jax says it is committed to a transparent and inclusive planning process, and will work closely with surrounding neighborhoods, community leaders, and local stakeholders as the project moves forward. An exact groundbreaking date has not yet been set, but the club says it hopes to begin construction as soon as possible.

The takeaway

The Sporting Jax development represents a significant investment in Jacksonville's sports and entertainment infrastructure, with the potential to bring economic growth and new opportunities to the region. However, the project has also raised concerns from nearby residents about the potential impact on the local environment and community, highlighting the need for open communication and collaboration between the developers and the surrounding neighborhoods.