JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Regency Square Mall site could soon be demolished to make way for a major retail redevelopment that includes a soccer stadium.
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Multiple sources tell Action News' Jax Ben Becker that a Jacksonville-based ownership group that includes Florida Gators great Tim Tebow will build a football stadium at the site. This is what they are aiming for.
Action News Jax first reported in December that Tebow's group was bringing a men's and women's soccer team to the area. They plan to start playing in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2025 if they can find a place to play. The USL is part of Major League Soccer's developmental league.
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Becker also learned that in addition to the soccer stadium, facilities for athletes with disabilities will be built. The shopping mall may be demolished, but Impact Church is expected to remain on the site, church officials said.
Action News Jax first reported last July that Tebow's Group was pursuing potential sites in northern St. Johns County.
Becker reached out to St. John's County Administrator Joy Andrews, who said they had tried many locations in St. John's but had not found a suitable location at this time. He added that he was still open to further discussions.
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A Tebows Group spokesperson responded to potential plans for a soccer stadium:
“Our priorities are focused on identifying suitable locations to develop world-class facilities for our men's and women's professional soccer teams. We are evaluating the site and will share more information once it is finalized.”
Regency Square Mall opened 57 years ago but has been in decline for more than a decade. Last October, Action News Jax reported that the mall was slapped with a new $726,000 fine for repeated code violations.
Action News Jax has been told by city leaders that an official announcement could come in the coming weeks, but details still need to be worked out.
Becker has contacted the mall's owner and is awaiting a response.
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