The Tampa Bay area was named as one of the initial USL Super League markets on May 16, 2023.[2] On July 15, 2023, South Florida Bulls women's soccer head coach Denise Schilte-Brown was named as Sun's first-ever head coach, and former FIFA referee Christina Unkel was named as club president.[3][4]
Longtime University of South Florida women's soccer coach, Denise Schilte-Brown was announced as Tampa's head coach in July 2023.[5]
The first signings were announced by the club on April 23, 2024. Erika Tymrak was the first player signed to the inaugural roster, followed by Jordyn Listro and Domi Richardson on the same day.[6]
On May 23, 2024, the club announced their home opener would be against Dallas Trinity FC on August 18, 2024. The match was the third ever match played for the USL Super League.[7][8]
Identity
The Tampa Bay Sun FC name, logo, and colors were unveiled on November 4, 2023, at a ceremony in Ybor City attended by Tampa mayor Jane Castor.[9]
The Sun FC play at Riverfront Stadium on the campus of Howard W. Blake High School, near downtown Tampa.[11] Renovations were made to bring the stadium up to division one soccer league standards, namely increasing the capacity of the stadium from 1,800 to 5,000, installing turf, and adding a new scoreboard.[12] The team plans to play at Riverfront Stadium until a new stadium in Ybor City is constructed.[13]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
