A New Vision Signed Into Action

In the ups and downs of life, in 1991 many Homestead residents thrilled to the plan for what was commonly called the Homestead Sports Complex to become the spring training facility for the Cleveland Indians Major League Baseball Team. The destruction and aftermath of Hurricane Andrew put an end to the plan and when repairs were made, other efforts did provide community recreational use in different forms.

Later, as seen in “Phase 1 of New Park Facility” (South Dade News Leader, June 23, 2023), the article outlined the extensive plan for redevelopment of the 103-acre site. There was to be soccer fields, a competition level running track, shaded seating for spectators, an events stage, and a new concession and rest room building. Future phases would include basketball, beach volleyball, and pickleball courts, a soccer training facility, playground, and recreation center. Although that plan was not fulfilled for various reasons, the determination was not diminished.

Thursday, September 18, 2025 brought a large crowd to the Council Chambers at Homestead City Hall where excitement flowed through the room. In never giving up on the potential for the site, a City Press Release synopsized the momentous event.

“Mayor Steve Losner, the Homestead City Council, and leaders of the Sports Performance Hub (SPH) came together today for a formal signing ceremony at City of Homestead City Hall, officially launching one of the most ambitious sports and community development projects in South Florida history. The Sports Performance Hub will establish a state-of-the-art campus in the City of Homestead that blends professional sports, youth academies, wellness, hospitality, and community infrastructure into one inclusive, world-class destination.”

In speaking of the “transformational day”, Mayor Losner thanked everyone for the intense team effort that brought about the $475 million dollar project for a complex surpassing past ideas.

“By partnering with the visionary leaders behind SPH, we’re creating new opportunities for our residents — from professional sports and entertainment to youth development and community programs. The City of Homestead is proud to be the home of this bold, community-centered project all achieved at no cost to our taxpayers.”

When negotiations began, the City was firm that three requirements would be met; community access, a new home for the Homestead Rodeo, and financial fairness. Not only will 4,300 jobs be part of the three-year, three-phase construction, approximately 600 permanent jobs will be added. Direct revenues to the City will include lease agreement, property tax, sharing of ticket sales and other possibilities.

The Press Release provided more description.

“The Sports Performance Hub is a groundbreaking destination that merges elite sports, education, wellness, and inclusive community infrastructure into a single, state-of-the campus. Unlike traditional stadium projects, SPH will encompass a professional training academy, youth boarding school, public sports and recreation facilities, a sports-themed hotel, and a 10,000-seat multi-purpose stadium — all at no cost to the City. The venue will serve as home to professional sports teams, the historic Homestead Championship Rodeo, and diverse community programming, establishing itself as a vital engine of economic growth and opportunity.”

SPH shareholders and executives, including Darío Sala, Juan Mónaco, Gastón Remy, Mariano Zabaleta, and Emiliano Fernández Balague were among attendees. Remarks from Sala, Remy, and Monaca affirmed the commitment of, “This is a project rooted in purpose. We are combining global entrepreneurship with social impact, and bringing world-class infrastructure to a deserving community.”

Justin Papadakis, Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Officer of United Soccer League (USL), brought another piece of news.

“Miami FC’s move to Homestead and the vision behind this new stadium development represents a tremendous step forward for the club and professional soccer in South Florida. We’re seeing incredible momentum across the USL as communities invest in world-class facilities that elevate the experience for both fans and players. With Miami joining cities like Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Sacramento in building new homes — and the World Cup coming to our backyard next summer — excitement around soccer in this country has never been stronger.”

The Miami Football Club is Miami’s longest-tenured professional soccer club, owned by Silva International Investments owner Riccardo Silva. Since 2020, the club has been playing in the USL Championship. https://www.miamifc.com/about/

Groundbreaking for Phase One of three phases is planned for March 2026. A 10-minute video providing details can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDs9WU_aq3k.

For more information, please contact City of Homestead Chief Public Information Officer Camila Varcarcel at 305-224-4448 or at communications@homesteadfl.gov.