By Jim Carchidi
Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride could soon have a new practice and training center at Osceola County Stadium. Osceola County commissioners voted Monday, Nov. 17, to move forward with a memorandum of understanding with club owners Orlando Sports Enterprises, LLC for a mixed use development that includes the Orlando Health Training Ground at Osceola Heritage Park.
From baseball to soccer
The history of Osceola County Stadium dates back to 1985 when the Houston Astros began using the venue for spring training. The stadium hosted minor league baseball until 2019, when it was redeveloped into a training complex for Orlando City SC. Four practice fields, a fitness center, lounge, dining hall, and office spaces also support the club.
If the memorandum of understanding is achieved, the Training Ground would include state-of-the-art facilities for all Orlando City teams and is expected to be completed in 2028. The Orlando Pride would relocate from its current training center at Seminole County’s Sylvan Lake Park.
The Houston Astros played their spring training games at Osceola Heritage Park until 2017. Photo courtesy of Osceola Heritage Park
The new development would include practice and training venues for the Orlando Pride and expanded facilities for Orlando City SC. Photos courtesy of Orlando Pride and Orlando City SC
Orlando Health Training Ground would also house Orlando City B and Orlando City Academy, and Osceola County Stadium would be fully converted into a soccer stadium with added seating. Inter&Co Stadium would continue as the home of Orlando City and Orlando Pride while Silver Spurs Arena and Osceola Heritage Park would continue hosting Silver Spurs Rodeo, Osceola County Fair, and other events including home games for the Orlando Magic G League affiliate, Osceola Magic.
The next phase
The soccer expansion is part of a $982 million proposal, dubbed Project Next, that was submitted to Osceola County commissioners last year. The plan would also develop a 200-acre property by Osceola Heritage Park, at the corner of Bill Beck Boulevard and U.S. 192. Apartment buildings, two hotels, additional parking, and more than 240,000 square feet of commercial space would be constructed in phases. According to a county press release, Project Next could bring approximately 855 new jobs.
The big picture
Project Next is part of the continued revitalization of East 192 and advances Osceola County’s goal of diversifying its economy beyond tourism and agriculture. The effort includes the expansion of the NeoCity tech hub, located across from Osceola Heritage Park, into a 323-acre site in St. Cloud to host semiconductor manufacturing and other technology sectors.
Osceola County Commission’s approval means negotiations can begin for the development and use of the Training Ground, the stadium renovation, and the neighboring property. The agreement would need to be finalized by July 31, 2026, in order to continue the project. An item amendment announced before the November 17 commission vote also requires the hotel building permits be issued by December 31, 2028.
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