CPKC Stadium

CPKC Stadium stands as a straightforward piece of modern infrastructure in the Berkley Riverfront, but its arrival marked a shift in how the city thinks about its sporting future.

It opened to a sell-out crowd in March, and the enthusiasm has not faded. The capacity sits at 11,500, but the structure was designed with more space in mind. There is room for expansion, as part of a broader development plan that includes bids for the 2031 Women’s World Cup. The ambition is clear, even if the work is not yet finished.

The pitch itself is a piece of engineering in its own right. Beneath the natural grass, a REHAU RAUMAT radiant heating system runs like a nervous system, preventing the ground from freezing when the Missouri winter bites hard. A SubAir drainage system pulls excess moisture away, ensuring the surface remains playable regardless of the weather. This allows the ground to host everything from the NWSL Championship to rugby internationals without faltering.

The players and fans have found a way back into it each week. The attendance record was set in May of last year, when 10,518 people turned out for a rugby match between the USA Women’s Eagles and Canada, marking the largest crowd for a standalone women’s rugby event in the country. The stadium has already hosted the US Women’s National Team and the Big 12 Tournament, proving it can handle the pressure of big matches.

What makes this ground different is its purpose. It is not an afterthought tucked into a larger complex. It is a dedicated home, built with the expectation that the women’s game will grow.