Soccer Feasibility Study Review

Committee Recommendations

The committee has unanimously concluded that both Johnson County and the State of Kansas will significantly benefit on a variety of fronts from the development of a destination soccer complex that is attractive to all levels of the sport. Such a complex would be expected to feature both a youth soccer complex and a soccer-specific stadium capable of serving as the home field for a Major League Soccer (MLS) team as well as a variety of high school, intercollegiate and entertainment events. The long-term economic benefits, positive impact on quality of life and resulting stature from having a professional sports franchise are real and significant.

The committee has arrived at this conclusion based on research and information as presented and reviewed. The recommendation to pursue the development of a soccer complex that includes both recreation soccer fields and a soccer-specific stadium is based on the following considerations:

 • There is tremendous demand for quality youth soccer fields in Johnson County and the metropolitan area. A complex featuring as many as 30 fields with a combination of natural grass and artificial turf playing surfaces will serve both as a facility for regular league play and also to attract local, state, regional and national tournament play.

  • The inclusion of a first-class, soccer-specific stadium with seating capacity of approximately 18,000 to 22,000 is critical in this project becoming a noteworthy destination point in the Midwest and in attracting commercial development and national recognition.

  • While a soccer-specific stadium will be capable of serving as home field for a MLS team, it will also fulfill a need in the Midwest for a quality venue for high school and intercollegiate competition. It would be expected a venue of this capacity will be able to host a variety of sports and entertainment events.

  • Development of such a complex will require a combination of public and private sponsorship. The committee makes a general assumption that any appropriate public-private partnership will include a properly structured lease and operating agreement.

Based on the viability of the project, the committee recommends the MLS – including ownership of the Wizards – submit to Johnson County stakeholders (including but not limited to Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee, Overland Park, Gardner, DeSoto, Johnson County Board of Commissioners and Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department) specific terms of an official request for information (RFI).

The committee does not endorse a specific site and recognizes it is difficult under these circumstances to pinpoint costs relating to unknown site conditions, site utilities and transportation improvements. However, the range appears to be well supported as to estimates that would be incurred in constructing the stadium and complex.