The XFL Tampa Bay franchise now has a new place to call home. According to a report in the Plant City Observer, the XFL and the city managers of Plant City Flordia have agreed on a practice facility agreement.
The report states the City of Plant City
“will offer portions of the Plant City Stadium facility for practices, training, offices, a media center, and other similar items. With a two-year term, the contract can be reevaluated and expanded if needed. “
Plant City Stadium was built in 1987 to be the spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds. In 1998, the team left Plant City Stadium for Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota Flordia.
So it looks like XFL Tampa Bay has a home base for the next two seasons. Plant City Flordia is 27 miles from Raymond James Stadium where the XFL Tampa Bay franchise will play its games.
The report goes on to say that
“renovations to the stadium that the league requires will be fully funded by Alpha Entertainment, LLC. “The league hopes the upgrades “will begin Nov. 2 and the team hopes to be ready to roll by the time December training begins. “
Vince McMahon’s investment in the XFL is not only creating a chance for football players to extend their careers. It also affects each team’s local economy.
“During training, the entire team and its coaching staff — approximately 70 to 80 people — will relocate to Plant City for approximately five months. Whether they’re staying in hotel rooms or renting homes, it’s sure to be a boost to the local economy. “
Oliver Luck has said locking down practice facilities is a tall order for XFL teams. We know XFL DC has been looking at several locations as are some other XFL franchises.
We do know that TDECU Stadium and Fertitta Center will be home of the XFL Houston franchise. As we get more details on XFL practice facilities and team locations, we will let you know.
