Kansas City will be the home of the first soccer stadium built for a women’s professional soccer team in the US — the latest in a series of investments for the KC NWSL. We’re talking about a multi-million dollar project downtown. Keep reading for a timeline + what to expect — it’s quite the hat trick.
What to expect
📍 7.08 acres on the east end of Berkley Riverfront
💰 $70 million, entirely privately-funded
🗓️ 50-year lease with construction beginning next summer to early fall + an estimated completion by the 2024 season
🌳 Green space, fitness courts, trails + the park will all stay on the property
Details
The 11,000+ capacity stadium will be U-shaped, open to the river with easy access to the future streetcar extension. While the stadium’s primary role will be to support our women’s league, it is expected to also house concerts, college sports championships, and international soccer matches.
“I don’t see why this team should be the secondary tenant in any stadium,” KC NWSL co-owner Angie Long said on Tuesday.
A success story
- Dec. 7: The National Women’s Soccer League approved an expansion team in KC under Angie and Chris Long
- Jan. 12: Team revealed its inaugural season crest
- Jan. 29: Huw Williams named new head coach
- March 3: Team opened their exhibition season with a 1-0 win
- April 5: 28-player roster announced
- Aug. 13: Captain Rachel Corsie agreed to contract extension through 2023
- Aug. 14: After 14 games, team secured its first win in franchise history
- Sept. 17: Plans announced for new $15 million training facility
- Sept. 22: All 2022 matches scheduled for play at Children’s Mercy Park
- Oct. 26: Plans unveiled to build first NWSL stadium in KC
Leaders also announced that the team’s long-awaited, official name will be released at halftime of Saturday’s game against the OL Reign beginning at 7 p.m.
Quiz
