Kansas City leaders to consider $235M to support CPKC Stadium expansion, mixed-use development

KSHB 41 reporter Charlie Keegan covers politics in Kansas, Missouri and at the local level. Share your story idea with Charlie.

—

Leaders in Kansas City, Missouri, are set to consider $235 million to support the expansion of CPKC Stadium as part of a $1.4 billion “transformational riverfront development.”

CPKC Stadium is home to the Kansas City Current, the professional women’s soccer team in the area. The stadium has also become the hub of development along the riverfront, which includes Current Landing, a mixed-use development currently under construction adjacent to the stadium, along with the recently opened KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension.

Thursday, the Kansas City, Missouri, City Council introduced an ordinance directing city officials to work with the Current on the project that includes an expanded stadium, parking garage, mixed-use development and supporting infrastructure. City leaders said this project, combined with Current Landing construction, will total $1.4 billion worth of investment.

“The Kansas City Current presents one of the greatest success stories in our city’s recent history, and CPKC Stadium has already proven that world-class investment in women’s sports pays off,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a news release early Thursday morning. “We look to build on the momentum, expanding a stadium district that will draw more visitors, create jobs, help Kansas City compete for more global and national events, and strengthen our riverfront for generations to come.”

Chris Morrison/KSHB

The ordinance would include the council’s intent to help issue up to $235 million in special obligation bonds to support the project. Additional funding and incentives include a tax increment financing plan, application for tax credits from the Missouri Development Finance Board and other state programs, including the Missouri Downtown Economic Stimulus Act.

"As we look ahead, we are committed to raising the bar for women's sports again," the KC Current said in a statement Thursday. "We appreciate the collaboration and leadership from community and civic partners, and look forward to sharing more details as conversations with our civic partners continue."

CPKC Stadium, which opened in March 2024 at a cost of $117 million, has a listed capacity of 11,500. Mayor Lucas said the proposal would expand the stadium capacity to about 18,000 seats.

Lucas said that increase could help the city's chances of becoming a host for the women's soccer World Cup or men's rugby World Cup in 2031.

"CPKC Stadium has set the standard for global women's sports and Current Landing is building a new neighborhood on our riverfront," the club continued. "Current Landing is one of the most ambitious mixed-use projects in the United States — transformational for our city, women's sports and the broader downtown community."

Alethea Frederick lives on the riverfront, and she is cautiously optimistic about the proposal.

Her fear is development will increase the rent at her apartment, and that residents may not reap the rewards of redirecting taxes generated at the project to pay off the project instead of going to city services.

Chris Morrison/KSHB

“If my tax dollars are going to go to expanding the city, it needs to be more accessible — not pay, pay, pay — because what am I giving and where am I getting it back," Frederick asked.

Dave Coates visits the riverfront often with his dog Wally. He is willing to let the city council move forward with the project.

“Trust, but verify," Coates said. "Don’t make us look dumb.”

Chris Morrison/KSHB

The city council could take a final vote on this proposal as early as June 25.

—