In a momentous decision today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority board gave their stamp of approval to a series of sports-related projects that are poised to transform the state’s sports landscape. Spearheading this transformation is the “Destination Iowa” grant of five million dollars allocated to the Iowa Soccer Development Foundation, marking the inception of the Pro Iowa Soccer Stadium and Global Plaza in Des Moines. This ambitious $79 million project is slated to house Iowa’s very first professional soccer team, with construction set to take place on a former toxic cleanup site situated on the southeast edge of downtown Des Moines.
### A New Era for Sports Tourism Grants in Newton
Transitioning from the bustling city of Des Moines to the quiet charm of Newton, the IEDA board also greenlit two sports tourism grants that are primed to invigorate the local sporting scene. One of these grants will be allocated to the eagerly anticipated two-day INDYCAR Race Weekend at the Iowa Speedway, receiving a substantial $437,500 to bolster the event’s marketing efforts. Meanwhile, the NASCAR Cup Series weekend also secured a $50,000 grant, underscoring the board’s commitment to promoting and enhancing the appeal of sporting events in the region.
### Enhancing Sporting Facilities in Cherokee County
Venturing further afield, the IEDA board extended its support to Cherokee County by awarding a Community Attraction and Tourism Grant to the Cherokee County Conservation Board. This grant, totaling $35,000, has been earmarked for the construction of a trap field support building at the Licklider shooting complex in Cherokee. Kanan Kappleman, the IEDA spokesperson, highlighted that the funding will play a crucial role in elevating the facility’s infrastructure and amenities to better cater to spectators during public events. With the total project costs estimated at $185,000, the facility is poised to become a hub for both adult and youth shooting competitions, underscoring the board’s unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive sporting community across the state.
As Iowa gears up to usher in a new era of sports innovation and development, the recent funding approvals represent a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to bolster its sporting infrastructure and elevate its reputation as a premier sporting destination. With projects ranging from the establishment of a cutting-edge soccer stadium to the enhancement of existing sporting facilities, the IEDA board’s decisions are poised to leave an indelible mark on Iowa’s sporting landscape for years to come.
