Raymond James Stadium is home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the University of South Florida Bulls. With college football, concerts, graduations, and city fairgrounds, the arena and its surroundings transformed into a local landmark and a sightseeing attraction.
In 2025, RJS expanded its multi-purpose venue mission into soccer. On Feb. 14, the football stadium opened its doors for an MLS preseason match between Inter Miami and Orlando City. The atmosphere of the soccer Battle for Florida was magical, with people traveling from 50 states and 30 countries. There were pre-game giveaways, music, food, and drinks. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. But it’s not the score that counted.
People were excited to see one of the best athletes in the world, the captain of Inter Miami and Team Argentina, Lionel Messi. So, it was a genius idea to host the MLS preseason soccer matchup at a football stadium. Over 42,000 fans spent their Valentine’s Day watching the Florida Derby in Tampa. Some of those spectators had never been to an American football facility or a game, so it was a unique opportunity to introduce another sport and cross two worlds.
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission, one of the event’s organizers, does a fantastic job promoting local sports venues and reaching new heights.
On November 18, 2025, RJS will host another historic soccer game between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Uruguay. It might sound surprising, but the Tampa area is big on soccer. The USL (United States Soccer League) has its headquarters in Tampa. The Tampa Bay Rowdies, a men’s USL team, have been playing in the area for over 15 years. The Tampa Bay Super Cup is one of the fastest-growing and prestigious youth tournaments in the United States. USF, UT, and St. Leo University have men’s and women’s soccer teams, too.
It makes sense for local authorities to start attracting more high-caliber events to the area.
While considered a European sport, soccer is overshadowed by some competition. “Champa Bay” hosts MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays (made it to the World Series in 2020), NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers (winning Super Bowl in 2021), and NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning (crowned back-to-back Stanley Cup champs 2020 and 2021). Last season, a newly formed professional women’s soccer team, Tampa Bay Sun, won the 2025 USL Super League championship. So, the city is growing on soccer vibes.
And Raymond James Stadium proved its ability and openness to welcome world-class events. In February 2026, the NHL will host its first-ever regular-season game at a football stadium in Tampa. It’s the first of its kind in the entire Sunshine State.
While Inter Miami prepares for the second playoff round, soccer fans can attend the USMNT matchup in Tampa. FL Teams will cover the game and all activities for you.
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