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Tampa Bay Rowdies Announce 2026 Schedule, New Signings & Preseason Clash with Sarasota Paradise FC

The Tampa Bay Rowdies are gearing up for an exciting 2026 campaign, and anticipation is already building across the Gulf Coast. With a refreshed roster, key offseason signings, and a highly anticipated preseason matchup against Sarasota Paradise FC, the Rowdies are positioning themselves for another strong run in the USL Championship.

As the 2026 schedule rolls out, fans can expect a competitive slate filled with regional rivalries, high-profile matchups, and a renewed push toward postseason success.

Upcoming Season Calendar Announced for the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

A Fresh Start for 2026

The Rowdies enter the new season with momentum and strategic roster upgrades. The front office focused this offseason on strengthening depth, adding attacking firepower, and reinforcing key defensive positions to maintain one of the most disciplined systems in the Eastern Conference.

While returning veterans provide continuity and leadership, several new faces bring fresh energy and tactical flexibility to head coach Robbie Neilson’s system. The emphasis this year: speed in transition, wider play in attack, and defensive stability in high-pressure environments.

The Rowdies’ commitment to competitive consistency has made them one of the USL Championship’s most respected clubs. In 2026, expectations remain high.

Offseason Additions Strengthen the Squad

This offseason, Tampa Bay focused on:

Adding dynamic attacking options capable of stretching back lines
Reinforcing midfield control with box-to-box versatility
Bolstering defensive depth to withstand a long, physical season

These signings reflect a clear strategy: compete immediately while building long-term cohesion.

Supporters will get their first look at the revamped squad during preseason play — and the opening friendly carries special regional significance.

Preseason Spotlight: Rowdies vs. Sarasota Paradise FC

Before the regular season kicks off, the Rowdies will face off against Sarasota Paradise FC in a preseason exhibition that has already generated buzz across Southwest Florida.

For Sarasota Paradise — a rapidly rising club with strong local support — the match presents a chance to test themselves against one of the USL Championship’s premier organizations. For Tampa Bay, it’s an opportunity to fine-tune tactics, build chemistry among new players, and connect with fans throughout the broader Tampa Bay region.

This preseason fixture underscores the continued growth of soccer along Florida’s Gulf Coast. From St. Petersburg to Sarasota and beyond, the sport’s footprint is expanding — and rivalries are beginning to form.

Key 2026 Matchups to Watch

The 2026 schedule features several compelling matchups, including:

Regional battles against familiar Eastern Conference rivals
High-stakes road tests in traditionally difficult venues
USL Cup competition opportunities
Summer clashes that could shape playoff positioning

Home matches at Al Lang Stadium remain one of the best atmospheres in American lower-division soccer. With the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront as a backdrop, the Rowdies continue to draw one of the league’s most passionate fan bases.

A Club Built on Identity

Few clubs in American soccer have the history and brand presence of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The 2026 campaign marks another chapter in a legacy built on resilience, style of play, and community connection.

The Rowdies are not simply chasing wins — they’re chasing silverware.

And with strategic offseason moves, a deepened roster, and early momentum building through preseason action, 2026 could be a defining year.

Growing the Game Across the Gulf Coast

The preseason match against Sarasota Paradise FC also highlights a broader story: soccer’s regional rise.

As youth academies expand, attendance climbs, and community investment deepens, Florida’s west coast is becoming a true soccer corridor. The Rowdies remain at the center of that growth — serving as both standard-bearer and catalyst.