The CPKC Stadium is already looking to make some upgrades, just two years after opening.
The CPKC Stadium – home to National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team Kansas City Current – has been handed a huge boost in funding.
The stadium, which opened in 2024, made history as it became the first ever venue that was specifically built with women’s sport in mind.
The Current broke ground on the project back in October 2022, with the $117m cost to build the Stadium largely funded via the club’s ownership.
Despite having been open for just over two years, the CPKC Stadium is hoping to undergo a revamp.
Back in May, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas introduced legislation to support the expansion of the 11,500-seater stadium.
In June, the Current presented their proposal for not only the expansion of the stadium, but also some developments to the surrounding area along the Missouri River.
“For too many years, our riverfront was a landfill in the heart of our city,” Lucas said on September 10.
“Today, our riverfront is a leading destination in our region and the Midwest that’s poised to grow even more.
“With the city’s approvals, the riverfront will continue to transform into a place where people can watch a match, walk an extended trail, and be part of a vibrant neighbourhood.”
The capacity of the CPKC Stadium is set to increase to accommodate 18,000 spectators, which they will be hoping could help them attract the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup to select them as one of the host venues.
The project will also see the construction of more parking spaces, equating to 1,500 spaces, and trail connections with the aim of making it the “most innovative public-private sports and entertainment project in the Midwest.”
Furthermore, with the addition of shops around the area, the project seeks to cement Kansas City’s riverfront as its premier sports and entertainment for women’s sports.
With the support of Lucas’ proposal, the expansion and redevelopment is estimated to become a $1.4 billion project.
The KCMO is set to pitch in an estimated $185 million, funded through sales tax revenue generated by the current stadium and surrounding district.
According to KSHB 41, the debt shortfalls will become the responsibility of the Current’s ownership group, which includes NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, so taxpayers avoid any harm.
Mixed views on going ahead with the redevelopment project
Council member Wes Rogers from the 2nd District compared the proposed riverfront transformation to the past revival of downtown Kansas City in the early 2000’s.
“There was just nothing there,” Rogers said recalling what the area was like back in 1998. “There were no businesses; there were no people living down there. And what we’ve done the past 25 years is pretty spectacular, and it has grown our economy.”
“It has made us a bigger, better city; a more vibrant city; a city with a bigger tax base.
“And when we do big projects like this the right way — and I believe this one is, particularly because of the Current backing — I am happy to vote yes and celebrate.”
However, the project has also met some pushback from vocal critics, who have also criticised other projects in the state, including the plans for the MLB team Royals’ new ballpark at Crown Center, suggesting that approving these projects are fiscally irresponsible.
“We are making a decision to essentially take a gamble and bet on these projects, when I don’t think we need to do all the time,” council member Jonathan Duncan, 6th District, said.
“It’s incumbent upon this body to consider that even if these bonds are backed by another entity, this isn’t free money.
“We are retracting revenue that would be going to our general fund and back into projects. We are doing it again and again and again.”
“At some point, we’re going to have to ask: ‘When are we going to start prioritizing our general fund?'” he continued.
“I really feel like we are not taking a full accounting of how much revenue we are redirecting into projects that we won’t see a return on in 30 years.”
Original Source: talkSPORT
