Following their National Women's Soccer League debut this season, American professional women's soccer team Kansas City NWSL are breaking new territory with the announcement that they are set to receive their own football stadium, believed to be the first-ever stadium built for a women’s pro team.
The women’s game continues to make huge strides, but for all that advancement, teams are still having to play the hermit crab role, moving into what ever stadiums are available and making them home. But new NWSL franchise Kansas City NWSL are set to buck that trend by getting their own purpose built stadium, as announced by owners Angie Long, Chris Long and Brittany Matthews. 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.
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.
“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. “We believe this significant investment and commitment will shape a stronger future for our entire region and our athletes.”
“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.”
This 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 Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.
“World-class facilities have proven to be a catalyst in transforming all professional sports,” said KC NWSL Co-Founder and Co-Owner Angie Long. “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.”
Kansas City NWSL is nearing the end of its Inaugural Season of play and will be in action for its final match at Legends Field on Saturday, 30 October.
