In a relatively short time, Paradise Coast Sports Complex has quickly become one of Florida’s most dynamic examples of how a modern sports destination can anchor tourism, serve residents and drive long-term economic growth.
Located within Collier County’s City Gate development near Interstate 75, the 175-acre complex has transformed what was once a dense native forest into a year-round hub for competition, celebration and community connection.
Opened in phases beginning in 2020, the $150 million facility was designed as a flexible, multi-use destination capable of holding elite tournaments, professional matches, major entertainment events and everyday community programming.
Before The Sports Facilities Companies took over, the project had been scaled back. Since then, the team has brought renewed focus and operational clarity, transforming a paused vision into one that is once again positioned for implementation. Today, that vision comes to life through a packed calendar of events and constant activity across the site.
At the heart of the complex are nine full-size synthetic turf fields and a 3,500-seat stadium featuring a massive video board, premium suites, locker rooms and adaptable event spaces. The stadium has quickly become home turf for professional and semi-professional soccer, including Collier County’s first United Soccer League franchise, FC Naples, as well as Naples United and Azzurri Storm.
On any given weekend, the venue can host soccer, football, lacrosse and cheer activities simultaneously — an operational flexibility that has proven essential to maximizing bookings and visitor volume.
That versatility has translated into impressive performance metrics. Attendance at the complex has climbed sharply, growing from approximately 172,000 visitors in fiscal year 2021-22 to more than 500,000 annual visitors in FY 2023-24, with additional traffic generated by community programming. County tourism data indicates that 33 qualified events generated an estimated $59 million in economic impact during the 2024-25 fiscal year.
A busy and creative event calendar supports Paradise Coast’s growth by hosting national-caliber tournaments, including the American Youth Football National Championships, billed as the largest youth football tournament in the world, as well as multiple large-scale youth soccer events that draw hundreds of teams annually. The complex has also become a home for the Florida High School Athletic Association’s State Lacrosse Finals, highlighting the venue’s reputation among governing bodies and event rights holders.
Beyond traditional tournaments, the complex hosts unique, high-profile events — recently welcoming the FBU All-American Freshman Bowl, which brings top high school football talent and their families to Southwest Florida. Non-sports programming — from Fourth of July celebrations and New Year’s Eve gatherings to concerts and food-and-wine experiences — has further broadened its audience and reinforced its role as a place where the community can connect.
The complex’s success has also led to notable ancillary development, including the 2024 addition of a new Great Wolf Lodge, which now sits adjacent to the venue, strengthening the area’s appeal to traveling families and tournament organizers seeking walkable, amenity-rich environments. The result is a synergistic ecosystem where sports tourism fuels hospitality growth and vice versa.
From a design and planning standpoint, Paradise Coast Sports Complex blends functionality with environmental sensitivity. Developed between 2018 and 2023 with multiple design and construction partners, the site integrates lakes, landscaped buffers and pedestrian-friendly circulation. Funding from tourism tax dollars tied the project directly to visitor-driven returns, aligning public investment with measurable economic outcomes.
The complex has been recognized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and has been voted No. 1 in SportsEvents Media Group’s rankings for Best Soccer and Lacrosse Facilities — affirmations that resonate with both event organizers and destination marketers.
For sports-destination professionals, Paradise Coast Sports Complex offers a compelling case study in modern facility development, demonstrating how strategic location, flexible design, diverse programming and strong management can turn a greenfield site into a regional anchor.
Just as importantly, it highlights the value of balancing marquee events with community use — ensuring residents see the facility as their own, even as folks from across the country continue to visit.
As Paradise Coast Sports Complex enters its next chapter, its trajectory suggests staying power. With growing attendance, expanding partnerships and a calendar that blends elite competition with inclusive community experiences, the venue stands as a model for how sports facilities can deliver lasting value well beyond the final whistle.
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