A proposed new Des Moines stadium for a USL Championship team received a huge boost when Polk County supervisors committed $5 million toward the development, which could also lead to additional public and private funding.
The 6,300-capacity new stadium would be the centerpiece of a 65-acre, $535-million development at the downtown Dico Superfund site, creating a community space featuring recreation, housing, commerce, and entertainment. The site would house a Global Plaza and Iowa’s first professional soccer stadium. Pro Iowa, the campaign seeking to bring professional soccer to Iowa, is working in partnership with Krause+, the real-estate development arm of Krause Group, on the project.
If approved, the reinvestment district would include 65 acres of total development set to activate sections of Raccoon River, serve as a connector for downtown, and create dynamic, mixed-use neighborhoods. Krause+, along with Sherman Associates, would lead development of areas included within the reinvestment district.
The county contribution also could lead to a $1 million match from the City of Des Moines and another $1 million match of surrounding community contributions.
Des Moines was recently awarded $23.5 million by the Iowa Economic Development Authority toward development of the Capital City Reinvestment District, which includes the Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza.
The Iowa Soccer Development Foundation, the local nonprofit in charge of the fundraising efforts for the Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza, has raised $19.6 million in private contributions for development of the proposed $83.5 million stadium and Global Plaza. With the commitment from Polk County and recent funds awarded to the city, the project has now raised more than $50 million through private and public funding.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022, with Iowa’s first professional soccer kickoff slated for 2024.
“Support from the Polk County Board of Supervisors illustrates the impact the project will have on our area, not only through redevelopment of the Dico Superfund site, but through added economic development,” Pro Iowa spokesperson Charley Campbell said in a statement. “We are very grateful to have their support.”
RELATED STORIES: Downtown Des Moines stadium part of 65-acre, $535M development; New site for Des Moines stadium pitched; New Des Moines stadium delayed; Land Acquisition Moves Des Moines USL Stadium Forward; Des Moines USL Stadium Proposal Takes Step Forward; Des Moines USL Stadium Pitched as Anchor of Development; Potential Des Moines USL Championship Club Eyed for 2022 Launch