Citing supply-chain issues, completion of a new Des Moines USL Championship stadium is now being delayed from 2024 to 2025, according to a press release issued by Iowa Soccer Development Foundation.
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.
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 mixed-use neighborhoods. Krause+, along with Sherman Associates, would lead development of areas included within the reinvestment district.
As you might expect, this is an exceptionally complex endeavor from a planning viewpoint, with several construction projects complicated by site remediation.
“When we began this initiative, we dreamed of a stadium and gathering space for soccer fans and community members from all backgrounds to unite and celebrate the world’s game,” said Charley Campbell, Iowa Soccer Development Foundation secretary. via press release. “We have a lot of positive momentum right now. And now that a formal franchise agreement has been signed, plans are well underway for construction of the stadium and plaza. A 2025 opening date aligns with our goal to deliver a facility that fits with the vision for downtown Des Moines, supports the cultural vibrancy of the region and leverages Iowa’s rich soccer history.
“As we reevaluated the construction timeline–factoring in supply chain and cost challenges, remediation of the DICO site and conversations with vendors–we determined that a 2025 opening date is more reasonable. This gives us the best possible chance for the team to play a full season,” Campbell said.
RELATED STORIES: New Des Moines stadium effort boosted by county contribution; 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