Initiative Update

Pro Iowa Initiative Update ISDF collaborates with City of Des Moines and Polk County

The Iowa Soccer Development Foundation (ISDF) is encouraged by recent conversations with leaders at the City of Des Moines and Polk County regarding funding for the Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza, a public and private partnership that invests in Des Moines and our central Iowa community. 

The ISDF’s conversations with the city and county are still ongoing. We appreciate both the city’s and county’s efforts to help advance this project, and the ISDF remains committed to bringing the USL Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza to central Iowa. Not only will the project unite the community around the globally loved sport, it will provide a community connector for soccer fans and other community members to gather.

Just as importantly is the economic impact of the Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza and the surrounding planned Stadium District. The Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza will transform the Dico Superfund Site and provide an asset that assists in attracting top talent. The initiative will generate economic growth and spur job creation in a thriving downtown. Alongside other investors, Krause+, Krause Group’s real estate development company, has publicly stated its intentions to invest $500 million in real estate development in the Western Gateway and Stadium Districts.

The city, county, ISDF and Krause+ continue to collaborate and will be transparent with the public when a funding agreement is reached.

Thank you again for your ongoing support for this critical community initiative.

Sincerely,

Iowa Soccer Development Foundation

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Update – January 16, 2024

We’re excited to share there has been increased momentum towards the completion of the Pro Iowa initiative capital stack and Dico site development agreement. Ongoing conversation and planning with public officials are underway. While we are enthusiastic about the recent momentum and collaboration required to begin Stadium and Global Plaza construction, we are now certain that a 2025 completion date is not possible.

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Update – February 13, 2025

We're excited to share that momentum continues towards the completion of the Pro Iowa project.  On February 13th, the Iowa Soccer Development Foundation proudly announced its newly appointed board of directors. Composed of seven leaders from city, county, Greater Des Moines Partnership and stadium operations, the board will provide strategic leadership and oversight to support the ISDF's mission.  The full ISDF board of directors includes:

• Connie Boesen, mayor, city of Des Moines
• Matt Anderson, deputy city manager, city of Des Moines
• Frank Marasco, interim county administrator, Polk County
• Tim Oswald, managing director, Piper Sandler, Polk County representative
• Jeff Lorenzen, president and CEO, American Equity, Greater Des Moines Partnership representative
• Jo Christine Miles, director, Principal Foundation, Greater Des Moines Partnership representative
• Kyle J. Krause, founder and CEO, Krause Group, interim stadium operator

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As further updates are available and agreements are finalized, we will establish and communicate any revised construction and completion timelines with our valued soccer community and supporters of the Pro Iowa Initiative.