Frequently Asked Questions

The USL Championship, the United Soccer League's (USL) top tier, has more than 36 member clubs across the U.S. and Canada. It reaches more than 84 million people. Iowa has been selected by the USL and there is an initial franchise agreement with the USL to obtain one of these final franchise opportunities, but the agreement is contingent upon a soccer-specific stadium being built to support this level of play. If Iowa cannot meet the USL’s requirements, the franchise will be awarded to another team and market.

The Pro Iowa initiative is a signature community project designed to revitalize a blighted area of downtown into a vibrant community space anchored by a 6,000+ seat multi-use stadium and a 4 acre plaza for community events and activities.  The Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza will provide solutions for three critical community needs:

1. Transforming the blighted Dico Superfund Site

2. Creating an inclusive space for our growing global community

3. Generating a new community asset that assists in attracting top talent and providing economic growth opportunities

The Pro Iowa initiative will create more than $45 million through direct and economic impact during the construction phase alone.  We also anticipate the stadium and plaza will create a magnet for new business development, generating an estimated $10 million in total spending and $3 million in increased earnings, annually.  The stadium is expected to pay for itself in the first five years in economic impact.

As Des Moines continues to grow and attract a more diverse workforce, a stadium suited for soccer represents an opportunity to boost civic pride in our growing city.  Millennials are the first generation of lifelong soccer fans in the US, and they follow teams at the local, national, and international levels.

Soccer is the most played and watched sport in the world.  Bringing a professional team will help Des Moines to grow, and bring fans from all walks of life together in shared team pride.

"We're talking more about a global community.  And to be cool or hip within that global community, you've got to know the global game."  - Cobi Jones, Former MLS star (L.A. Galaxy) and National Soccer Hall of Famer

This project has the potential to continue and complement Central Iowa's legacy of providing amenities that enhance our community.  Having a USL Championship team in Iowa will increase the effectiveness of legacy projects already developing in Downtown Des Moines as a culture and sports destination (Principal Park, Wells Fargo Arena, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Principal Riverwalk, Des Moines Civic Center, etc.), while adding to ongoing initiatives (i.e., Central Iowa Water Trails, Lauridsen Skatepark, etc.).  The stadium can also be used for concerts, festivals, and other sports.  

A site has been identified at the intersection of MLK Parkway and SW. 16^th street on the former Dico Site, expanding the reach and connectivity of downtown Des Moines and enhancing the existing energy and appetite for sporting events downtown.

Once funding is secured, and if we stay on track with timely decision-making, we anticipate breaking ground in 2023, with match play beginning in 2025.

You can get involved by signing up for our latest updates at www.uslproiowa.com/team/ and following us on Facebook and Twitter at @USLProIowa. We need your support to move the stadium project forward!