Soccer Specific Stadium

[rweb]

I know that Bi-State II is dead for 2002, but does anyone know if the committee that Gov. Graves put together to discuss the issue is also dead? Based on MLS Commissioner Garber's State of the League statement, it looks like soccer stadiums will be an important part of future expansion. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that if a few cities have ownership groups with money and the commitment to building stadiums in order to get MLS teams, that KC could be contracted. This city has a long history of losing sports franchises.

I know that raising taxes in the current economic environment would be a hard sell, but while KC sits back and cries poverty other cities move forward. I was in Des Moines last weekend for the PDL Conference Finals. The Des Moines Menace will be playing in a SSS next season that will be built with a mix of public and private funding. The cost will be about $18 million for about 6000 seats and 20 suites. It will be expanded in the future as needed.

Johnson County easily was the wherewithal to take on this type of venture with or without BS II.

[Lucid]

Does that board still exist? I dunno, good question. I think it's safe to assume that the idea of a SSS in JC or Wyandotte or wherever is not dead though. I really wish Lamar would just fork over the money for it and control it himself, it's not like he doesn't have the money to do it. But it's really easy for me to just sit here and say that and he has the right to do whatever he wants with his money.

In the next few months I'm sure there's gonna be more clearification on the SSS issue here in KC. Garber said in his State of the League address that talks are still on-going here for the SSS issue.

[ojsgillt]

The commision created to look into the prospect of building a soccer complex in Kansas already finished and submitted its report which was very favorable. Curt Johnson said that although the bi-state didn't pass that Graves was looking into other options for revenue.

[Spoon]

BTW is the meeting with CJ we found out the Mr. Hunt is sold on a stadium with roofs. Now if we can just get him to build one asap. Unless anyone can win the lottery and donate some funds towards a new ground. Spoon Road sounds like a great name for a ground. Hell even The Spoon End works for me. :D

[rudeboy]

Last I heard/read the task force organized by Gov Graves ended with the conclusion that the State of Kansas could not pass up this money making opportunity. Kansas doesn't have a professional sports team of any kind and this would bring the state of Kansas into the fold of states with major sports franchies. I think it is a go as long as they can find a location, and money to do this. Come on Lamar, give up some dough.

[SamPierron]

As it turns out, I know somebody who knows somebody, and I could get an audience with the developer of the KS Speedway/Cabela's/NE Furniture Mart area.

The development company owns all that land around there, and is trying to figure out what to do with it. Bringing thousands of families and thousands of fans to that site every week for 9 months of the year (maybe more if they built an indoor complex as well)? Makes sense to me. What do you all think of the location? It's 25 minutes from anywhere other than maybe Lee's Summit.

[ojsgillt]

Originally posted by SamPierron
It's 25 minutes from anywhere other than maybe Lee's Summit.

I am 10 minutes away from Lee's Summit in the oppisite direction, but I can live with that. It doesn't matter where the thing is, just as long as it is there.

Myabe Hallmark could buy the naming rights. I like the sound of Crown Stadium.

[rweb]

Putting a stadium near the Speedway would be a great idea. The location lends intself well for most of the metro area with I-70 and 435 right there. It could probably even draw more fans from Lawrence and Topeka.

I know that Wyandotte County is very interested in developing that area and having it be successful. Having Kansas' first major sports franchise located in the Dot would probably make getting state and grant money easier. And with their distaste for anything Joco, the voters might want to beat their neighbors to the south in getting it done.

The big problem will probably be the occupant in the Governor's mansion after the elections. A victory by Schallenberger would be fatal.

[rudeboy]

Speaking of the governor's race, has any canidates come out favorably to the idea of a SSS in Kansas or even mention it at all? I would like to cast my primary vote for someone who is interested in this.

[McGinty]

I haven't heard anyone say word one about it. If I had to guess...Shallenburger would be against. Kerr and Sebelius would probably just want it to pay for itself, and as long as it did that, fine. Knight's crazy enough to think it's a great idea for the state to pay for the whole thing, or he might hate it. Got me.

[McGinty]

Note: these two messages are actually from Sam, whose computer is down and who forgot to change logins on McGinty's computer. Please return to your normal websurfing.

[Mystical19]

Originally posted by SamPierron
As it turns out, I know somebody who knows somebody, and I could get an audience with the developer of the KS Speedway/Cabela's/NE Furniture Mart area.

The development company owns all that land around there, and is trying to figure out what to do with it. Bringing thousands of families and thousands of fans to that site every week for 9 months of the year (maybe more if they built an indoor complex as well)? Makes sense to me. What do you all think of the location? It's 25 minutes from anywhere other than maybe Lee's Summit.

Coincidentally, this land is like a mile from my house. So obviously my vote would be yes for this location. Easy highway access, all the room we need, and we can all hang out at StarMart after the games!!!!!!!!!

[Merlin172]

Hang out with Jay, the latenight Starmart clerk who doesn't make us pay for slurpies when we show up drunk at 3 am? ;)


Seriously, I'm all for this area. There is still a lot of land there that hasn't been bought by businesses yet. I'm not sure if there is enough for the 20+ soccer fields they were talking for JoCo, but there should be enough for a stadium and some fields.

[ojsgillt]

Screw the 20 feilds, that is a public service, that is what taxes are for. If it is going to be privately funded then a few practice feilds are all that is needed.

[AndyMead]

Originally posted by Spoon
BTW is the meeting with CJ we found out the Mr. Hunt is sold on a stadium with roofs

I don't know if you guys followed my World Cup diaries on SoccerTimes, but I actually ran into Lamar on a couple of occasions in Korea. The second time we rode a shuttle bus together to Suwon Stadium (for Brazil/Costa Rica, I think), and he definitely was all over the roof thing, being concerned with costs, etc.. He made it to all 20 stadiums during the World Cup!