Controversial indoor soccer facility could have new home

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – A controversial indoor soccer facility could have a new home.

The facility could be built at North Collier Regional Park in North Naples.

New renderings from MHK Architecture show the 100,000 square foot facility. The building boasts 3,500 seats. Outside, the facility would have three full size soccer fields, two half-size soccer fields and four outdoor volleyball courts.

Dottie Noble and her husband come to the park three times a week.  She says she does not want to see another massive concrete facility built there.

“I don’t think you need another complex,” said Noble.  “The green spaces are much, much nicer.”

​The facility is equipped to host seven games for the local, semi-pro soccer team, the Southwest Florida Adrenaline. But, it will mostly be used for local youth teams for almost any sport imaginable.

The Adrenaline’s owner, Jeff Butzke, is behind the facility and says both Collier and Lee Counties are vying for it. Several North Naples residents say they hope it comes to their park.

​”I​ think it’s a good idea​,” said resident, Tina Palmesc. “I think the youth in our community needs places where they can hold their sporting events​.”

​”I​ like soccer​,” said resident, ​Estelle Abrams. “It​ will be nice in the heat to go inside too, make it year-round.​”​

​Taxpayers won’t have to cough up any money for the facility. It would be a public-private partnership much like the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples that’s also located in the park.

​There’s no word yet on when county commissioners might vote on the complex.