In Kansas City, Missouri, the game has changed forever.
The grand opening of CPKC Stadium on Saturday marks a historic moment for women’s professional sports. For the first time, a women’s team will enjoy a stadium designed exclusively for them. This stadium stands apart, not as a shared space with men’s teams or universities, but as a dedicated arena tailored to their needs, complete with a private locker room. It boasts over 10,000 seats, luxury suites, and top-notch concession stands, mirroring the facilities of men’s stadiums.
This development sends a powerful message: the women’s game and its athletes are here to stay, deserving of the same professional respect as their male counterparts.
Angie Long, co-owner of Kansas City Current, expressed a transformative vision to USA TODAY Sports. The creation of CPKC Stadium not only elevates expectations but also shifts the perception of what’s possible, making it clear why a dedicated stadium for women is essential.
The struggle for recognition in professional women’s leagues in the United States has been long, with nearly three decades of fighting for acceptance. The WNBA and NWSL, along with their predecessors, often faced relegation to inadequate facilities and minimal support. Previous attempts at women-specific stadiums were insufficient, sending a patronizing message to female athletes.
Michelle Akers, a legend in U.S. women’s soccer, reflected on the past lack of a true home for the team. However, the tide is turning. Interest in women’s sports is surging, and athletes are boldly challenging inequities. A new wave of ownership in leagues like the NWSL and WNBA sees the value in investing in women’s sports, recognizing the potential for significant financial returns and the importance of treating women as professional athletes.
The decision to build CPKC Stadium was a statement of worth, challenging the notion that professional women’s teams should settle for less. The players’ awe upon seeing their new locker room underscores the significance of this moment. Everything about CPKC Stadium, from the design to the merchandise, is crafted with the Kansas City Current in mind, establishing a permanent home that truly belongs to them.
This move is not just about sports; it’s a call for equity, urging the same financial support for women’s teams that men’s teams have long enjoyed.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman hailed the stadium as a transformative development for women’s soccer, one that will likely exceed our current expectations.
The impact of CPKC Stadium is undeniable, challenging us to reconsider the value we place on women’s sports. For young players like 16-year-old Alex Pfeiffer, this marks the beginning of a new era, one where women’s teams having their own stadiums is the norm, not the exception.
This shift is monumental for women’s sports, heralding a new chapter of recognition and respect.
As we witness the rise of women’s soccer, we’re reminded that this change is not just overdue but necessary for the growth and recognition of women’s sports worldwide.
Stay updated with USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour for more insights into this evolving landscape.