Kickoff for Soccer Park

Overland Park today will officially open a $36.3 million soccer complex financed with part of the proceeds from $65 million of general obligation bonds sold in 2007.

The bonds are secured by a pledge of general revenue, but the Kansas City suburb expects to pay debt service on the soccer field bonds with revenue from a hotel tax.

The city increased the hotel tax rate to 9% from 6% in July 2006. The additional 3% is dedicated for tourism-related capital projects, including the construction of the soccer complex and improvements to an entertainment district.

The complex includes 12 lighted synthetic-turf fields, a multipurpose field house with meeting rooms, three concession stands, and 1,900 parking spaces. Officials said the fields, with a base of recycled rubber, could absorb up to 10 inches of rain an hour and remain playable.

Big-screen TVs in the field house and concession stands will provide information on tournament brackets and game results.

Other features include a special field with additional bleachers for championship games, and water features for youngsters not interested in soccer. Guests also have convenient access to nearby retail and dining establishments.

Overland Park has scheduled 26 tournaments through 2010 that are expected to attract 58,000 players and some 300,000 spectators.

The city's GO debt is rated triple-A by the three rating agencies.

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