Kansas City Stadium Project Underway

A press release today out of Kansas City states that the first physical steps in a project that will include a new 18,500 seat stadium for the Wizards has begun.

The destruction of the exterior of what was formerly the Bannister Mall in southeast Kansas City began on Wednesday. The 465 acre mixed use project will include over two million square feet of office and retail space along with the stadium and a 12-field soccer complex.

“We are delighted that this moment has arrived,” said Robb Heineman, Chief Executive of OnGoal, LLC, the owner of the Kansas City Wizards. “A lot of hard work by a lot of people has made this possible. The City of Kansas City, State of Missouri, public representatives, adjacent neighborhoods, and all of Kansas City have shown tremendous support.”

Lane4 Property Group, developer of The Trials, expects to announce a second major tenant for the project sometime in the near future.

“The proximity and access to the entire metropolitan area makes this location very attractive for many different reasons and types of uses,” said Owen Buckley, president of Lane4.

The Wizards will open the 2009 season on March 21 at Community America Ballpark.

--Allen Ramsey, Goal.com