Kansas City Current Star Kicks Inaugural River Goal

Temwa Chawinga during the river goal event at CPKC Stadium

Kansas City, Missouri, August 11, 2025

Kansas City Current

Kansas City Current is a professional women’s soccer team based in Kansas City that has become a prominent part of the local sports community. The team has gained recognition through notable events, including the achievement of kicking the inaugural ‘river goal’ into the Missouri River, showcasing its involvement in local culture and celebrations. The organization recently invested $117 million in the development of the CPKC Stadium at Berkley Riverfront Park, near the Bond Bridge, which aims to enhance community engagement and stimulate economic growth in the region. With ongoing plans for over $1 billion in additional commercial development, including new residential and hotel projects, Kansas City Current is committed to driving urban development and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere while leveraging the natural environment and sporting excellence.

News Summary

Temwa Chawinga of the Kansas City Current made headlines by kicking the first ‘river goal’ into the Missouri River at the newly opened CPKC Stadium. This event coincided with a stream advisory issued for the river due to upstream flooding and untreated sewage concerns. The U.S. Coast Guard has also temporarily halted all traffic on the river for safety. Meanwhile, the $117 million stadium is set to boost local economy, with an additional $1 billion in new commercial construction planned nearby over the coming years.

Kansas City

Temwa Chawinga, a standout player for the Kansas City Current, made waves recently by kicking the inaugural “river goal” out of the newly opened CPKC Stadium, landing the ball into the Missouri River. This event coincided with a stream advisory issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, urging residents to avoid contact with the river due to concerns about upstream flooding and untreated sewage bypasses from Iowa and Nebraska. These issues raise significant worries about the presence of harmful contaminants like E.coli in the water.

In response to the rising flood conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard has temporarily halted all traffic on the Missouri River to ensure public safety. This shutdown reflects a critical concern as the river navigates the repercussions of persistent weather events that have historically influenced its flow and stability.

New Stadium and Development Initiatives

The CPKC Stadium, which represents a $117 million investment located at Berkley Riverfront Park near the Bond Bridge, symbolizes a remarkable addition to the Kansas City area. Developed by the Current’s ownership group, which includes Brittany and Patrick Mahomes, the stadium is poised to boost local engagement and economic activity.

In conjunction with the stadium’s opening, plans for $1 billion in new commercial construction have been announced. These plans entail building 480 apartments along with expanding existing developments that include 410 housing units and the Origin Hotel over the next decade.

Growing Investment Interest

As the Kansas City metro acknowledges its reliance on the Missouri River, investment interest continues to rise. The river is known for its volatile nature, as it has a history of both destructive floods and severe droughts that present ongoing challenges for development and community interactions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers undertook significant modification projects from the 1930s to the 1960s, which included the establishment of six dams that altered the river’s natural flow.

The Volatile Nature of the Missouri River

Historical events, such as the devastating flood of 1951, which peaked at 573,000 cubic feet per second and led to $950 million in damages along with 17 deaths, underscore the risks associated with flood management. The Kansas City Downtown Airport (MKC) has remained protected against flooding thanks to the levees that isolate it from surrounding waters.

The Missouri River, with a length of 2,315 miles stretching from Montana to the Gulf of Mexico, undergoes various seasonal changes, including floods prompted by snowmelt in the Rockies. Alarmingly, the region has seen 11 of the 12 highest runoff years within the last 50 years, even while many areas in the Missouri River Basin face persistent drought conditions.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

A local event, the annual MR340 kayak and canoe race, celebrates the river and fosters a sense of community involvement, attracting many participants each year. Riverside Mayor Kathy Rose is advocating for further recreational developments, including a proposed marina to enhance public access to the river.

The interplay between the Kansas City metro area and the Missouri River represents both opportunities for growth and the necessity for careful management of flood risks and environmental health.

FAQ

What is the Missouri River stream advisory?

The Missouri River stream advisory warns residents against contact with the river due to upstream flooding and untreated sewage bypasses, which raise concerns about contaminants such as E.coli.

What prompted the temporary traffic shutdown on the Missouri River?

The U.S. Coast Guard temporarily shut down all traffic on the Missouri River due to increased flooding risks, ensuring public safety.

When did the CPKC Stadium open and what is its significance?

The CPKC Stadium, which opened recently, represents a $117 million investment and aims to enhance local engagement and economic development in the Kansas City area.

What are the future development plans near the CPKC Stadium?

There are plans for $1 billion in new commercial construction, including 480 apartments and further expansion of existing developments in the area.

How does the history of the Missouri River affect its current state?

The river has a history of both floods and droughts influenced by human modifications and natural events, which pose ongoing challenges for local communities and development activities.

Feature Details
Event Temwa Chawinga kicked the inaugural “river goal” into the Missouri River
Advisory Kansas Department of Health issued a stream advisory due to flooding
CPKC Stadium Cost $117 million
Future Development Plans $1 billion in new construction including 480 apartments
Missouri River Length 2,315 miles
Historic Flood 1951 flood peaked at 573,000 cubic feet per second

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Kansas City Current Star Kicks Inaugural River Goal

STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER

The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.

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