Construction Begins on Multisport Athletic Fields in Apollo Beach

Work is underway in Apollo Beach on what's said to be the nation's largest contiguous synthetic turf athletic fields at the future SouthShore Sportsplex.

At a March 28 groundbreaking ceremony, Hillsborough County leaders enjoyed bright sun and a cool breeze while envisioning four multisport fields and amenities on what's now acres of fill dirt and drainage substructure as the complex starts to take shape. The first phase of the project, on about half of the cleared 85 acres, will be ready for soccer, football, and lacrosse competition in spring 2023.

When completed, the $11-million initial phase will have the turf fields with LED lighting, offices and meeting spaces, a concession building with restrooms, a playground, pavilions, and parking for about 540 vehicles.

The project is a collaborative effort by Hillsborough County, Waterset residents, and the master-planned community's developer, Newland. Waterset is south of Big Bend Road, between Interstate 75 and U.S. 41.

County officials hoisted gold shovels to ceremoniously break ground for the project. Nearby, workers used heavy machinery to shape drainage culverts and lower pipes into the ground. The iconic, County-owned Apollo Beach water tower stood sentinel in the distance.

The sports complex at 6110 Waterset Blvd. will supplement existing County Parks & Recreation facilities, conservation parks, and nature preserves in fast-growing south Hillsborough. It is destined to become "the place to be" on weekends and weeknights, County officials say.