Like with WSL clubs, most US teams share another franchise’s premises, be it a men’s team’s ground or a venue usually reserved for other sports, such as NFL stadium Lumen Field for Seattle Reign.
Kansas City buck this trend, and Denver Summit president Jen Millet believes it makes financial sense to follow suit.
“A big part of a sustainable business model is controlling revenue streams,” Millet says. “Women have been tenants and missed out on those things – food, beverage, parking, rentals, retail.
“It’s massively important to operate your own stadium.”
Having their own venue has also enhanced KC Current’s marketing strategy – something Kirsten Ross, president of official supporters’ club The Blue Crew, says has greatly raised the team’s profile.
“[The club] do a really good job of ramping up when the team is playing,” she says.
“Previously, people had no idea FC Kansas City existed. Now you can’t walk anywhere without knowing there’s a game for KC Current.”
Chris Long argues a bespoke stadium brings the best out of players – after all, Kansas City dominated the 2025 regular season and won the NWSL Shield by 21 points, even if they lost in the play-offs.
“It’s the feeling of belonging,” he says. “If you’re a tenant, the schedule isn’t based on you… you put your stuff in the locker room but have to take it out because it’s temporary.”
Jemison adds: “You feel like a visitor in your own home. We didn’t want that.”
How are these stadiums distinctive?
Designing a stadium for women’s sports offers opportunity to be different.
The 14,500-seat venue in Denver will have an intentionally open end to help create what architectural firm Populous describe as a “blend of architecture, green space and community”., external
Senior principal at Populous, Sherri Privitera, says inclusion was key to the design.
She points to a number of distinctive elements.
On tickets: “We will have flexible seating for people to be communal and areas for children who cannot sit for three hours. It’s about making it easy to enjoy the game without hassle.”
On changing rooms: “Ours will be fully private so the players feel comfortable getting ready.”
On facilities: “We have more toilets than we are required to and sensory rooms for mothers who are nursing or need to pump.”
Kansas City president Jemison echoes Privitera’s comments, saying integration and ownership are central to CPKC Stadium.
“We want female athletes and fans in a facility that feels like it is their own, where all feel welcome,” she says. “It is a community asset.”
Not that this aspect blunts the atmosphere.
“It’s a very loud, intimidating place,” co-owner Long adds. “It’s tight, it’s intimate, it’s sold out.”