Wizards Stadium at Bannister Mall

[KCTigerFan]

Imagine this at the Bannister mall site, except in lieu of the Tennis Center we have an outdoor amphitheater that effectively replaces Verizon. 


Home Depot Center - LA  / 27,000 seats

[shinatoo]

Imagine this at the Bannister mall site, except in lieu of the Tennis Center we have an outdoor amphitheater that effectively replaces Verizon. 


Home Depot Center - LA  / 27,000 seats

That is really an excellent facility. I had the privilege of working on the initial concept. I think the tennis complex would be a great addition too.

[M]

Because we've only had three home games so far, one in a torrential rainstorm, one starting at an abnormal time conflicting with youth soccer and the other a normal time with respectable attendance. Besides, I wouldn't expect things to drastically change overnight and it would be ignorant to have that expectation.  The gameday experience is drastically better, the marketing is better, the team is playing with a newfound swagger and the games are fun.  Things are headed in the right direction.

not to mention the fact that OnGoal has basically gone away from giving away tickets as much as possible.  They don't give freebie tickets to people that don't actually attend the games.  The team has also gotten rid of the much abused zard card that allowed "kids" to get $5 tickets.  This card was abused by every adult who had a kid with one, even many of those without kids abused it.

[kard]

First training session at new Swope Park training facility is this Friday (or so I've heard).

[M]

First training session at new Swope Park training facility is this Friday (or so I've heard).

that's true according to their weekly update

http://web.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.js ... &team=t105

down at the bottom of the article.

[mykem]

That is really an excellent facility. I had the privilege of working on the initial concept. I think the tennis complex would be a great addition too.

Yes, that stadium is great! It has several diffrent events each year not just soccer. Think of it as a outdoor arena. KC could be so lucky to have a facility of that capacity. Not to mention it is a handsome looking stadium as well.

[KansasCityChiefs]

It seems like development on this project has stalled. Was there supposed to be a longer timeframe than I thought? I was expecting to hear something a while ago.

[KCTigerFan]

I think the biggest issue is that KCMO has a new Mayor and Council that has pledged to wait on approving any new TIF or other economic incentives until a policy is in place.  I would say that we will hear something on Bannister, the P&L Hotel/Condo and several other projects once a policy is set and announced. 

I think this one needs to be a priority.  It is in an area that is high profile and is probably the largest area of dead retail in the city.

[jlbomega]

I think this one needs to be a priority.  It is in an area that is high profile and is probably the largest area of dead retail in the city.

Grandview/South KC area has over 25% vacancy rate in retail. 

[Theiler]

http://kc.wizards.mlsnet.com/news/team_ ... &team=t105

The facility is a likely precursor to an even bolder statement of the Wizards as a major player in Kansas City - a dedicated stadium. Currently, the Wizards' developer is on the hunt for a location. Four places are in the running at the moment.

"It's two in Missouri and two in Kansas. ... Basically, we have put together a very attractive overall package led by Lane 4, the developers. They are going to figure out a spot for the Kansas City Wizards, and we are very excited to be part of an overall global development project that includes some very cool cutting-edge retail, a very integrated office complex, hotels, so on and so forth. The soccer stadium is just going to be the shining jewel in that development," Cotton said.

"There is no reason to do this if it doesn't generate revenue for a municipality. At the end of the day, this is going to be an economic engine for the community that wants it. We just need a community to step up and say, 'We do want it.'"

[dangerboy]

So what are the other three sites besides Bannister?

[KCMax]

I think DeSoto and Gardner in Kansas. Not sure what the other Missouri site is. Is Riverside still an option?

[jlbomega]

I know Lane 4 is involved in the redevlopment of Metro North Mall through another deal.  There is plenty of land on that site for a stadium (although the location is too far north IMO).  On the Kansas side I'm pretty sure Lenexa is still being considered.

[GRID]

I know Lane 4 is involved in the redevlopment of Metro North Mall  (although the location is too far north IMO). 

I agree, but it would be far better than Desoto or Gardner.  Bannister is my first choice.

[DaveKCMO]

"very integrated"?

[GRID]

http://www.kansascity.com/news/columnis ... 21163.html

The mayor’s task force that is studying the issue is expected to make its recommendations by the end of the summer. Sharp said he was concerned that some City Council members may follow the mayor’s edict and refuse to consider important proposals like this one.

During the delay, the Wizards may look elsewhere.

“The Olathe Wizards just doesn’t sound that good to me,” Sharp said. “We can’t put projects on hold. The Wizards need a place to play, and it’s unrealistic to say, ‘We’re on vacation,’ or, ‘We’re temporarily closed. Come back next month.

Blowing a second opportunity to redevelop the area with a solid anchor like the Wizards could end up becoming a major political blunder this town just doesn’t need.

If Funk blows this, I will never forgive him and remember it every day I drive past our suburban ghetto along 435.

[aknowledgeableperson]

Summer officially ends on September 20 or 21 and the plan Funk wants should be in place by then.  And it would appear that this project would be one he would accept as the "first" proposal he stated he wanted to see when the process restarts.  It would be some time before the council would review this proposal since it has to be reviewed by the TIF Commission and others before it can pass judgement.

[bahua]

I don't see why such a thing requires public investment at all. They'll build a stadium wherever we give them space. All the city needs to be on the hook for, imo, is demolishing the existing buildings at Bannister.

[Maitre D]

I don't see why such a thing requires public investment at all. They'll build a stadium wherever we give them space. All the city needs to be on the hook for, imo, is demolishing the existing buildings at Bannister.

Exactly.  What is the economic return on a soccer stadium anyway?  Has to be negative relative to the investment.

If you build a huge soccer park used for regional tourneys, I guess that's one thing.  But anyway, that area over by Bannister is dreadful.  I won't go to any games if they're moved to that area.  I suppose I don't go to many now anyway, but I'd go if it were in Lenexa or somewhere not so low-rent.

[KCTigerFan]

People said the same thing about the Dot before VW.  Not that this is on the scale of that, but damn, it has the potential to anchor a major area of south KC and help support the office developments already south of the Mall area.  It is also perfectly situated for drawing people from both JOCO and East KC (Lee's Summit & BS).  Beyond the dead mall and related retail plats this area is not "dreadful."  I would venture a guess that you will be in the minority of people who will not visit the stadium becasue of the location.   

Exactly.  What is the economic return on a soccer stadium anyway?  Has to be negative relative to the investment.

If you build a huge soccer park used for regional tourneys, I guess that's one thing.  But anyway, that area over by Bannister is dreadful.  I won't go to any games if they're moved to that area.  I suppose I don't go to many now anyway, but I'd go if it were in Lenexa or somewhere not so low-rent.