Soccer stadium project receives large financial boost
The proposed Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza received a boost in funding today when the Polk County Board of Supervisors approved a $5 million contribution toward construction of the project. The supervisors also voted to match up to $1 million in funding from the city of Des Moines and up to $1 million in funding from suburban communities. Krause Group, through its development arm Krause+, plans to build a 6,300-seat multiuse stadium and plaza at 200 S.W. 16th St. The contaminated site, previously occupied by Dico Inc., is currently being cleaned by the federal government and the city of Des Moines. Development of the stadium, which would be home to a United Soccer League Championships franchise team, and plaza is estimated to cost nearly $84 million. In June, the Iowa Economic Development Authority approved providing up to $23.5 million in state hotel/motel and sales tax revenue to the project. The Iowa Soccer Development Foundation, the local nonprofit in charge of the fundraising efforts for the stadium and plaza, has raised $19.6 million in private contributions for the project. Construction of the stadium and plaza is expected to begin in 2022.