A parking spot outside CPKC Stadium, the brand new home of the KC Current, may cost fans more than a seat inside, as the team revealed Wednesday it is charging $50 plus taxes and fees for single-game, general admission parking per match.
“$50 seems a little steep,” said Jerry Aldini from the gravel lot across the street from the stadium, which hosts its first Women's National Soccer League game March 16, as reported by CBS affililate KCTV. “I wonder if they’re going to pave it. That’s a big question.”
The Current will play 13 home games this season, adding up to a $952 investment, including taxes and fees, for anyone attending the entire season.
“When you’re paying $50 [per game] and you’ve got a family, and you want to buy their hotdogs and go to the concession stands, it’s just a little steep,” Aldini told KCTV.
Aldini admitted his proximity to the stadium would make paying for a Lyft to games more affordable, but others are willing to park and pay the price.
“If we’ll pay that much for American football tickets and things like that, I don’t know why we wouldn’t pay to go see such an incredible team of really, really talented athletes,” said Jessica Ferrell.
Fans say that they are further frustrated that there are no payment options and that all the money is due now, according to ABC affiliate KMBC.
"With the exception of gold parking at a Chiefs game, that will be the most expensive place in the entire city to park any day of the week," said Cherie Gallagher, a fan. "People are frustrated because they feel like you're not getting the option to park somewhere else or other cost options."
The city has permitted 2,300 spaces for parking while the stadium has 11,500 seats, leaving many fans to carpool, rideshare, or get creative. The future holds another alternative, though a streetcar extension to the CPKC Stadium is not scheduled to be finished until next year, KCTV reported. Currently, the closest street car stop is a mile from the stadium.
"A lot of people are freaking out quite honestly," Trina Hawkins, president of the Blue Crew fan club, told KMBC. "People are just stunned and figuring out what to do now. I've already seen people put their tickets up for sale online."
The Current provided this statement to KMBC:
"We have the most passionate fans in the entire NWSL. We are excited to give our Season Ticket Members the first opportunity to purchase limited parking passes available for the new downtown stadium.
We will offer very limited pre-paid single match on-site parking to Current Club members and the rest of our fans at a later date. We are thrilled to offer other solutions that align with our focus on multi-modal and sustainability for off-site parking and transportation, including park-and-ride options, ride-share, streetcar, bus, bike and shuttle services.
Our Season Ticket Members now know that they have the option to purchase season long parking passes. There will also be options for those who need ADA accessible parking, both on-site and off-site. More information about our off-site parking and transportation opportunities will be available in the coming weeks."
