Kansas City, Missouri, is making history with the construction of the first stadium in the world designed exclusively for a women's professional sports team. Set to debut in spring 2024, this groundbreaking $120 million facility will be home to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team, the Kansas City Current. The Kansas City Current's new stadium marks a transformative moment in women's sports. While women's professional soccer has been gaining popularity and momentum, no NWSL team had ever played in a stadium of its own. This purpose-built stadium aims to change that and possibly herald a new era in women's sports.
Introducing @cpkcstadium, the future home of the Kansas City Current women’s soccer club! Today, #CPKC and @thekccurrent proudly announced a historic naming rights agreement for the first professional women's sports stadium in the world! #KCBABY @NWSL https://t.co/t8Gp0OzAXa pic.twitter.com/k6Rs0lB49k
— CPKC (@CPKCrail) October 19, 2023
The Kansas City Current and CPKC have just announced the historic stadium will officially now be known as CPKC Stadium. With seating for 11,500 spectators, expandable to 22,000 in the future, the stadium is designed to be intimate, ensuring that no seat is far from the action. The stadium's proximity to the players and engineered acoustics guarantee a vibrant atmosphere, making sure the stands are never empty. The stadium is also being adorned in the colors of the Kansas City Current, further solidifying its identity as a home for women's soccer.
The Kansas City Current has already become one of the most valuable teams in the NWSL. Their stadium project showcases that investments in women's sports are not only profitable but also necessary for the growth and promotion of the sport. One of the stadium's key backers is Brittany Mahomes, who played college soccer and is married to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The stadium's co-owners, including professional investors like Chris Long, view it not only as a statement but also as a profitable investment. They anticipate a sold-out stadium for the upcoming season, with season tickets selling for over $600. This groundbreaking development in Kansas City is part of a larger trend of celebrities and public figures investing in women's sports. From Natalie Portman's involvement with Angel City FC to Naomi Osaka's ownership in the North Carolina Courage, women's soccer is receiving the attention and investment it deserves.
Get an inside look at progress on KC Current stadium with latest construction update tour https://t.co/WoqoTkYJPg
— The Kansas City Star (@KCStar) October 16, 2023
This renewed enthusiasm around women's sports coincides with record-breaking interest in the Women's World Cup, making it a perfect time for such developments. Kansas City's new stadium could set a precedent for other teams, inspiring them to move out of men's arenas and establish stadiums tailored for women's sports. The stadium's location in the heart of the country highlights that such projects can thrive in smaller cities and contribute to the growth of women's sports. As fans eagerly await the grand opening, the stadium signifies a permanent commitment to women's soccer and leaves no doubt that women's sports are on a path to lasting success.
