We have a naming-rights deal and some more information about the first purpose-built pro women’s soccer stadium in the world, as NWSL’s KC Current announced branding of CPKC Stadium under a 10-year agreement.
CPKC, which has its U.S. corporate headquarters in Kansas City, was created with the combination of two historic railways–Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS). The two companies combined on April 14, 2023 to form the first North American rail network connecting Canada, the United States and Mexico.
“As we embarked on finding the perfect naming rights partner, it was always about finding an organization where our values and vision align. CPKC is that partner,” said KC Current co-founders and owners Angie and Chris Long via press statement. “Our organizations share a commitment to strive for excellence, invest heavily in our communities and raise the bar with global influence. We are extremely excited to work with CPKC on this historic agreement and know our partnership will create long-standing positive impact!”
“We are incredibly proud to sponsor the Kansas City Current and support this history-making project here in the city that is at the heart of our North American rail network,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO, via press statement. “CPKC has been a longtime champion of women’s sports and of investing in our communities. This stadium and this partnership with the Current will build on that legacy as together we write a new chapter here in Kansas City.”
The agreement covers the stadium as well as the outdoor gathering space at the entrance to the stadium, which will be called CPKC Plaza. The plaza will provide space to gather before stadium events which include KC Current matches, other sporting events, concerts, etc. CPKC Plaza will also house the permanent location of the Kansas City Current team store.
CPKC will also be involved in the Current’s community initiatives. In 2023, CPKC is helping to renovate the STEM Lab at East High School, a Title I school and the biggest high school in Kansas City, just four miles from the new stadium. More than 40 languages are spoken at East, representing students from 42 countries, and making it one of the most diverse schools in the metro area.
In addition, the Current announced the first restaurant to be featured in CPKC Stadium, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que was founded by Jeff & Joy Stehney in 1996. Their original restaurant, located in the gas station at the corner of 47th Avenue and Mission Road, in Kansas City, Kansas, has earned scores of local, regional, and national accolades for its food and service. In 2006, the Stehneys opened a second restaurant at 11950 Strang Line Road, in Olathe, Kansas, and in 2012, a third restaurant was opened at 11723 Roe Avenue, in Leawood, Kansas.
“Telling our local food story to the world, we are thrilled to feature Joe’s Kansas City BBQ at the KC Current stadium,” said Colby and Megan Garrelts, chef-partners for KC Current Stadium and owners of Rye, via press release. “Joe’s commitment to excellence will give soccer fans a sample of why Kansas City is the BBQ capital.”
“We are excited to serve Joe’s famous Z-man sandwich to fans of the Current,” said Joe’s VP Ryan Barrows via press release. “The KC Current team and ownership group are a first-class organization, and this is a proud moment for our brand to be included in the opening of this amazing stadium.”
At the in-stadium venue, Joe’s Kansas City Z-man sandwich will be available in both chicken and brisket with select side options. The brand will occupy a designated space in a prominent location on the northeast side of the stadium, accessible for all fans throughout KC Current matches.
“With Joe’s joining us at our world-changing stadium, we are ensuring our goal of staying authentic to Kansas City,” said KC Current President Allison Howard via press release. “This is the first of many unique KC food and beverage options that will be available to all our guests at our stadium that will shape an incredible all-senses experience for our fans on match days.”
Renderings courtesy KC Current.
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