A new Kansas City NWSL stadium is in the works, as team owners unveil plans for a $70-million privately financed riverfront facility–the first stadium purpose-built for a National Women’s Soccer League team.
The new stadium will hold 11,000 fans and is slated to open in the 2024 NWSL season.
The Kansas City NWSL team played this season at Legends Field, home of baseball’s Kansas City Monarchs, and will play next season at Children’s Mercy Park, home of MLS’s Sporting KC. It’s a fast progression for the team, which launched just 10 months ago.
The project was announced this morning by owners Angie Long, Chris Long and Brittany Matthews.
“From the beginning, our vision has been to create a player-first experience, and facilities for our team that match not only the elite level of these incredible athletes, but also the passionate support of the Kansas City metro and our fans,” said KC NWSL Co-Founder and Co-Owner Chris Long via press release. “We believe this significant investment and commitment will shape a stronger future for our entire region and our athletes.”
With final designs still in development, the team is signing a 50-year lease for Parcel 8, the 7.08-acre site on the east end of the Berkley Riverfront in Kansas City, Missouri. Primary design and construction partners include Kansas City-based Generator Studio, JE Dunn and Monarch Build.
“As a sports fan and a father, I am so proud that Kansas City will make history in having a world-class facility dedicated to women in sport and that the project will be a centerpiece of our beautiful riverfront redevelopment,” said Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas via press release.
“The goals for reclaiming our long-neglected riverfront have been bold but clear–develop a connected, accessible, vibrant and diverse neighborhood,” said Port KC President and CEO Jon Stephens. “Anchoring a dynamic facility such as this on the downtown riverfront, and connecting it to the heart of our city with the KC Streetcar, trails and greenspace not only solidifies our commitment, but also proves that there is no better place for our community and the world to gather.”
Today’s announcement follows previously released plans for a privately funded $15 million training facility in Riverside, Missouri.
“World-class facilities have proven to be a catalyst in transforming all professional sports,” said KC NWSL Co-Founder and Co-Owner Angie Long via press release. “Tremendous momentum exists in women’s sports specifically, and we are so proud to play a major role in ensuring the sport and also our region benefit from the economics and growth offered by a stadium of this magnitude.”
Renderings courtesy Kansas City NWSL.
