Decision 2006: Johnson County Voters Reject Wizards Complex

Bond Issue For Soccer Complex Fails

The $75M bond issue for an amateur soccer complex in Johnson County (KS) that would include a stadium for the MLS Wizards was defeated 64%-36% yesterday, according to Finn Bullers of the K.C. STAR. OnGoal LLC Principal and interim Wizards President Robb Heineman said that he “remained resolute in getting a stadium built by 2009, but not necessarily in Johnson County.” Heineman: “This doesn’t change what our vision is for soccer in [K.C.]” Bullers reports the Wizards have been negotiating with the city of Overland Park “to put a stadium on the same 300-acre site ... where the amateur complex was planned.” However, it is “unclear whether the stadium would qualify for special state tax incentives without the 24 youth fields.” In addition to the 24 “lighted tournament-quality fields, the bond issue also would have financed a training/community center, a hiking trail and other park amenities” (K.C. STAR, 11/8).