The first soccer stadium built for a National Women's Soccer League team will be constructed in Kansas City, Mo., the club announced Tuesday.
The owners of the future home of Kansas City NWSL will finance the estimated $70 million stadium, which will be built along the Berkley Riverfront in the city, near the Missouri River.
NEWS: KC NWSL and @portkc finalize plans for the first NWSL purpose-built stadium at Kansas City Riverfront.
— KC NWSL (@KCWoSo) October 26, 2021
Incredibly exciting and a testament to the growing influence and popularity of women’s sports.
Congratulations to the #NWSL @KCWoSo, whose home will be the world’s first stadium built for a professional women’s sports team. https://t.co/uHHoQsoNev— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) October 26, 2021
History for women's soccer
Kansas City NWSL has announced plans for the first stadium purpose-built for a NWSL team.➖ $70 million, privately-funded
➖ 11,000 seats, expandable in future
➖ 50-year lease for 7 acres on Berkley RiverfrontIt's set to open in 2024. pic.twitter.com/QMuPtpF2TT
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) October 26, 2021
"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," KC NWSL co-owner Chris Long said in a news release. "We believe this significant investment and commitment will shape a stronger future for our entire region and our athletes."
The team previously announced plans for a privately funded $15 million training facility in Riverside, Mo.
The team is concluding its first season in Kansas City and has been playing at Legends Field. Next season, home matches will be played at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan., which is the home field of MLS' Sporting KC.
Brittany Matthews, the fiancee of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, also has an ownership stake in the franchise. The couple have made significant investments in the city. Mahomes earlier bought a piece of the MLB's Kansas City Royals.