Month: October 2021

KC NWSL to build new stadium in Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City NWSL stated today, in a news release, that it would build a new soccer stadium at Berkley Riverfront Park in Kansas City, Missouri.

The team currently plays its matches at the Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas, sharing the field with the Kansas City Monarchs baseball team.

According to a spokesman for the club, the new $70 million stadium would be the first soccer stadium built for that purpose for a National Women’s Soccer League team.

It has been just over 10 months since the group was awarded a franchise, according to a spokesman.

Today’s 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, Kansas. 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, Oct. 30.

“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, in a news release. “We believe this significant investment and commitment will shape a stronger future for our entire region and our athletes.”

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.

“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 Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas, in the news release.

“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, in the news release. “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.”

“World-class facilities have proven to be a catalyst in transforming all professional sports,” said KC NWSL co-founder and co-owner Angie Long in the news release. “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.”

Mild, windy weather today

Photo by Steve Rupert
From 1.5 to 2 inches of rain are possible on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. (National Weather Service graphic)

Today will be windy, with temperatures near 62, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

Showers will be possible on Wednesday and Thursday, the weather service said. The weekend should be cool and dry.

Unsettled weather is expected midweek, as a slow-moving system brings showers and storms across the area early Wednesday through Thursday, according to the weather service.

From 1 to 2 inches of rain are expected area-wide, with isolated areas up to 3 inches; however flash flooding and severe weather are not expected at this time, the weather service said.

Minor river flooding is possible in the region, according to the weather service. In Wyandotte County, Missouri and Kansas river levels are currently well below flood stage.

Today, it will be partly sunny, with a high near 62 and a southeast wind of 11 to 14 mph, gusting as high as 25 mph, the weather service said.

Tonight, there is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 a.m., according to the weather service. the low will be around 54 with a southeast wind of 11 to 15 mph, gusting to 25 mph. Less than a tenth of an inch of rain is possible.

Wednesday, there is a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, followed by more showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 7 a.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 59 with a southeast wind of 8 to 13 mph, gusting as high as 24 mph. Between a half and three-quarters of an inch of rain are possible.

Wednesday night, there is an 80 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm, according to the weather service. The low will be around 47, with a light and variable wind becoming north 8 to 13 mph after midnight. Winds may gust up to 23 mph. Between three-quarters and one inch of rain are possible.

Thursday, there is a 60 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1 p.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 54 with a north northwest wind of 16 to 18 mph, gusting to 32 mph. Between a quarter and half-inch of rain are possible.

Thursday night, there is a 40 percent chance of showers, with a low of 44, according to the weather service. Less than a tenth of an inch of rain is possible.

Friday, it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 57, the weather service said.

Friday night, it will be mostly clear, with a low of 38, according to the weather service.

Saturday, it will be sunny, with a high near 62, the weather service said.

Saturday night, it will be clear, with a low of 41, according to the weather service.

Sunday, it will be sunny, with a high near 56, the weather service said.

Sunday night, it will be partly cloudy, with a low of 39, according to the weather service.

Monday, it will be partly sunny, with a high near 50, the weather service said.

Homicide near 43rd and Farrow under investigation

Kansas City, Kansas, police are investigating a homicide Monday night, Oct. 25, in the 4300 block of Farrow Avenue, according to a police spokesman.

Officers responded to the location at 10:32 p.m. Monday, and found two individuals who had been shot, the spokesman stated.

One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, according to the spokesman.

A person of interest was detained, the spokesman stated.

Detectives with the KCK Police Department’s Major Case Unit are encouraging anyone with information related to this case to contact the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477) or KCCrimestoppers.com, the spokesman stated. All tips remain anonymous.