The second largest city in the Kansas City metropolitan area, with one of the highest levels of soccer participation per capita in the nation, will soon be synonymous with elite soccer facilities.

Overland Park to boast one of largest synthetic turf facilities in the world

Construction began last month on the nation’s largest high profile synthetic turf complex to date that features 12 tournament-caliber soccer fields — manufactured in the U.S. by leading global turf manufacturer TigerTurf. Part of a $36 million sport and recreational project, the complex will begin hosting national, regional and local soccer in Fall 2009.

The new state-of-the-art facility will feature 1.2 million square feet of advanced TigerTurf synthetic turf technology, designed for competitive soccer at all levels.

“We’re seeking to create a world class soccer complex that provides a quality facility for local, regional and national tournaments,” said Dan Miller, City Engineer and project manager for the City of Overland Park. “With the many amenities such as lighting on all fields, multiple concession buildings, play systems for children, and much more, it is an ideal location for the whole family.”

A global company headquartered in New Zealand, TigerTurf systems are manufactured on four continents and used in 85+ countries, with numerous FIFA-licensed systems in play throughout the world. Charles Fleishman, TigerTurf Americas director, stated “We’re proud to be chosen by the City of Overland Park for this project — with the City’s careful planning and foresight, this new facility will rival any of the world’s top soccer facilities.”

He added, “The opportunity to see our R&D efforts play out in a complex of this size and quality, which will accommodate all levels of athletes, is extremely gratifying.”

As for Miller, he stated simply: “This is a big job. Working with the right people will ensure its success in our community and for U.S. soccer.”