Charlie Ward’s "Champions Ranch" Begins to Rise in South Tallahassee

Charlie Ward has been a household name in Tallahassee for decades, first hailed as a Florida State Seminole legend and then as a committed mentor and coach. Now, Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward and his wife, Tonja, are solidifying their legacy in the very soil of the Capital City. On Monday, December 1, 2025, community leaders and residents gathered off Capital Circle Southeast to officially break ground on the Charlie Ward Champions Ranch.

This isn't just another sports complex. It is a massive, 109-acre undertaking designed to reshape youth development in the Big Bend. Here is everything Tallahassee residents need to know about the project that Ward describes as a "microcosm of our life".

A "Barnyard" for Building Character

Nestled between Tram Road and Woodville Highway, the Champions Ranch has a unique design. The $26.9 million facility will feature a setting that resembles a "barnyard" of sorts, blending high-level athletics with a retreat-like atmosphere.

The vision is holistic: While sports are the hook, the goal is life skills. "Our vision now is to create a hub, where youth sports thrive, where community events bring us closer, and where people of all ages gather for a healthier, more connected life," Ward explained.

An ambitious scope is managed by dividing the project into phases:

1. Phase One: $9.7 million is in process now. Indoor/outdoor arenas are to be built, along with a nature trail, counseling center, batting cages, and a multipurpose event barn. Among the facility's distinctive amenities will be the "Champions Café," powered by Centennial Bank.
2. Phase Two ($17.2 Million): The plans include Sand Volleyball Courts, Lodges, a Golf Facility, and a specialized sports barn with indoor courts.

A Community Effort

The groundbreaking ceremony on December 1 was a "Who's Who" of Tallahassee and the sporting world. There was a performance by the Florida A&M University Marching 100, a fitting tribute given that Ward is currently the head basketball coach for the Rattlers. Another guest was former FSU teammate Warrick Dunn, who said the project reflects the Wards' "character" and "value" to the community.

The project has already raised more than $9 million toward a $20 million fundraising goal, fueled by both large corporate donors and small community contributions. Mayor John Dailey and local business leaders such as Susie Busch Transou have thrown their support behind the ranch, viewing it as a regional draw that will serve families from South Georgia to South Alabama.

Key Partnerships

Perhaps most importantly to local families, the ranch will not be an island unto itself. It will be associated with more than 30 organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and local universities such as FSU, FAMU, and Tallahassee State College.

A major anchor for the site will be the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, which plans to establish a campus on the ranch. "Just imagine having all those different people right here on the ranch pouring into the kids that'll come here. It's a magnificent opportunity," said CEO Kacy Dennis.

When can we visit?

While the land is currently "trees and dirt," construction is officially moving forward. The Wards and project organizers are aiming to open the first phase of the project, a multi-sport field and café, in Summer 2026.