Purpose-built home for Kansas City NWSL team

Article posted by Coliseum, October 27^th, 2021

Image: KC WOSO

Kansas City (US) National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) owners Angie Long, Chris Long and Brittany Matthews announced plans on October 26^th to construct the first soccer stadium purpose-built for a NWSL team. The announcement comes just over 10 months since the group was awarded a franchise and is the latest in a series of major investments for the team.

The ‘Kansas City WOSO’ quoted KC NWSL Co-Founder and Co-Owner Chris Long as stating, “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. We believe this significant investment and commitment will shape a stronger future for our entire region and our athletes.”

The Kansas City NWSL is an American professional women’s soccer team based in Kansas City, Kansas (US). It began play as an expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2021.

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is a professional women’s soccer league at the top of the United States league system. It is owned by the teams and, until 2020, was under a management contract with the United States Soccer Federation.

The ‘Kansas City WOSO’ further stated that with final designs still in development, the estimated $70-million project will be entirely privately-financed through the ownership group, with the team 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.

Said Kansas City Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas, “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 Port KC President and CEO Jon Stephens, “The goals for reclaiming our long-neglected riverfront have been bold but clear – develop a connected, accessible, vibrant, and diverse neighborhood. 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 green space not only solidifies our commitment, but also proves that there is no better place for our community and the world to gather.”

The above announcement follows previously released plans for a privately-funded $15 million training facility in Riverside, Missouri, and plans to play home matches during the 2022 season at the 18,467-capacity Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Kansas City NWSL is nearing the end of its Inaugural Season of play and will be in action for its final match at the 10,385-capacity Legends Field in Kansas City on October 30^th.

Maintained KC NWSL Co-Founder and Co-Owner Angie Long, “World-class facilities have proven to be a catalyst in transforming all professional sports. 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.”

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