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Full KC council approves $36M Northland soccer complex

An 8-4 vote from the Kansas City Council this week approved a 10-field Northland soccer complex estimated to cost $36 million. Projected to open in 2022, developers say the facility will generate around $200 million in new sales tax revenue over 30 years.

A vote from the Kansas City, Mo. City Council determined the Northland will gain a new sports complex for soccer and other youth sports.

On Thursday, the city council approved a $36 million proposal to build the “North Sports Complex” on the northwest corner of Missouri Route 152 and North Platte Purchase Drive. The ten-field facility could open by May 2022.

The city chose Sporting KC to operate and maintain the facility. The professional soccer team’s CEO told council members Wednesday the organization will host local games, practices and programs during the week and host regional tournaments at the site on weekends.

Over 30 years, developers project the field will generate nearly $200 million in new sales tax revenue for the city.

Opponents of the plan argue $36 million could be better spent on more pressing issues facing the city, such as crime, homelessness and the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of a modified proposal agreed to Thursday, Sporting KC must agree to share profits from the site with the city. Sporting KC does not project making money at the North Sports Complex until about five years after opening.