The future home of TGL golf, the “prime-time golf league” founded by Tiger Woods and Rory Mcllroy, has been officially named the SoFi Center. Located at the Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens, the arena is set to open in January 2024 and will have a seating capacity of approximately 1,500 people.
According to TMRW Sports, the SoFi Center will feature a massive simulator screen powered by Full Swing technology, measuring 64 feet high by 46 feet across. This is roughly 20 times the size of a standard simulator screen, providing an immersive and realistic experience for golf enthusiasts. Additionally, the venue will include a dynamic short-game complex with three sand bunkers and three individual 15 feet x 27 feet Virtual Greens, all within a massive 3,800 square-foot putting surface.
While golf enthusiasts and fans are eagerly anticipating the opening of the SoFi Center, there are some concerns among local residents. Buddy Herrington, a long-time resident of Palm Beach Gardens, expressed his worries about potential flooding and the construction noise. Having lived in his home for nearly four decades, Herrington’s yard backs up to the construction site.
Herrington emphasized that the main concern for his neighborhood is not traffic but rather potential flooding. After experiencing a major flood in 1995, Palm Beach State College constructed a berm in 1997, which has successfully prevented any major flooding issues since then. However, with the new construction, residents are concerned about whether the drainage infrastructure will be sufficient to handle the increased water flow.
Responding to these concerns, Palm Beach State College assured the community that the safety of residents is their priority. The college stated that the site is being developed in accordance with a permit for stormwater drainage approved by the South Florida Water Management District. Throughout the construction process, there have been no flooding issues, and the existing stormwater management system has been confirmed to provide the required water quality treatment and storm drainage.
Regarding the partnership between Palm Beach State College and TGL, college leaders expressed their pride in being the host location for the inaugural home and live broadcasting venue of the league. They emphasized the benefits that this partnership will bring to students, including learning experiences, technology internships, career fairs, guest lectures, and the use of the facility for college events. In response to the concerns raised by the community, the college has taken note of the issues and is committed to addressing them.
The SoFi Center at Palm Beach State College is not only set to become a world-class venue for prime-time golf events but also a valuable resource for students pursuing careers in construction, technology, sports management, marketing, entrepreneurship, retail, and project management. With its innovative features and educational opportunities, the SoFi Center has the potential to become a hub for sports and academic excellence in the Palm Beach Gardens community.