Wizards Stadium at Bannister Mall

[beautyfromashes]

I heard that there was an article in the Jackson County Advocate a few weeks ago about the Wizards building a new stadium next to Bannister Mall.  Does anyone know if this is true?

[KCMax]

Its one of about five proposed sites as far as I know. The Star had a blurb yesterday that the Wizards were still looking at a number of ideas. They're also working hard on determining where they will play next year.

[dangerboy]

Several media have mentioned that Bannister is on the list of potential sites. I don't think this qualifies as a rumor, unless you know something more than has already been published.

[MidWestSider]

They're also working hard on determining where they will play next year.

What would be the 2nd largest football/soccer facility in the metro?

[KCFutbol]

What would be the 2nd largest football/soccer facility in the metro?

The possibilities for a temporary location are:

CBAC
BVDAC
Ray-Pec HS
Rockhurst HS
Park U.
Community America Ballpark

[NDTeve]

I think on top of Bannister Mall would be more appropriate. Is there anything in there besides a Lens Crafters?

[Maitre D]

Its one of about five proposed sites as far as I know. The Star had a blurb yesterday that the Wizards were still looking at a number of ideas. They're also working hard on determining where they will play next year.

I mentioned this at Xmas eve to my cousins, all of whom like the Wiz a lot.  They started laughing, but I told them, dead-serious:  Banniser freakin Mall.

Why can't it just go to Village West?

[tat2kc]

heard from a reliable source that both the interim playing field, and the new stadium will both be in Missouri (KCMO to be more precise). An announcement should be forthcoming soon.

[bahua]

I think on top of Bannister Mall would be more appropriate. Is there anything in there besides a Lens Crafters?

I know that KC Gold Fronts was in there for a while. I don't know if it still is though. I see no reason to preserve a dying(dead) mall. I say knock it over and build a nice stadium.

[briantsmith25]

The possibilities for a temporary location are:

CBAC
BVDAC
Ray-Pec HS
Rockhurst HS
Park U.
Community America Ballpark

That would be hilarious when David Beckham comes to town for him to play on a high school field..

[KCTigerFan]

The Bannister Mall area makes perfect sense.  

1.  It is in South KC close to the largest concentration of soccer youth (South JOCO)
2.  It is at a major highway crossroads
3.  Infrasturcture is already in place to facilitate easy access
4.  The area is in dire need of redevelopment.  I do think the best bet would be to knock down the mall.  
5.  The owners of the Wizards, of which Neal is a founder of Cerner, are making a large investment in the area with the new Cerner expansion there.  

[bahua]

On top of that, the land should be relatively cheap, especially for its startlingly central and accessible location.

[tat2kc]

That would be hilarious when David Beckham comes to town for him to play on a high school field..

Why in the world would anyone in their right mind be concerned about David Beckham's feelings about playing in a temporary field? What do you suggest we do to make the man happy? KC Soccer fans would love your solution to this problem.

[NDTeve]

Bannister Mall?...that neighborhood is awful!!! It will be like going to the Coliseum in LA or the old Chicago Stadium in Chicago. Go see a game to find your car on cinder blocks when you come out?

[KCMax]

Bannister Mall?...that neighborhood is awful!!! It will be like going to the Coliseum in LA or the old Chicago Stadium in Chicago. Go see a game to find your car on cinder blocks when you come out?

That's why its important we have mass transit going there!

[Maitre D]

That's why its important we have mass transit going there!

Yeah!

B/c no place in the country is as dense as the abandoned, shack-land around Bannister.

[briantsmith25]

What do you suggest we do to make the man happy? KC Soccer fans would love your solution to this problem.

Don't Know... And could really give a fuck less.... I just think it would be embarassing as a city to have a major league sports team play at a high school.

[NDTeve]

Probably not a bad thing that mass transit is not going to Bannister Mall. How many people really need to go to Lens Crafters that much?

[bahua]

Bannister Mall?...that neighborhood is awful!!! It will be like going to the Coliseum in LA or the old Chicago Stadium in Chicago. Go see a game to find your car on cinder blocks when you come out?

Dude. Please don't troll.

[tat2kc]

Good deal, Briantsmith25. The season begins in march. They can't play at Arrowhead. Give us your solution. Or would you rather just bitch and moan? If you can't give a f*ck, then why are you posting? I know sitting on the sidelines and being judgemental is a lot of fun, but try to come up with a viable solution for once.  Just a suggestion.

And yea, Bannister is not a great place now. Something needs to be done to turn the area around. Its location gives it tremendous potential. For those who condem the idea of a soccer stadium there, what are your suggestions for improving the area?