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Sunflower Sports seeks $2M'$5.5M in TGT support to complete quad turf project
Summary
Sunflower Sports told the Transient Guest Tax Committee the lighting project was delayed by contractor turnover and asked the committee to consider additional support (estimated $2 million to $5.5 million depending on option) to turf a large quad area that organizers say could attract state-level events.
Sunflower Sports presented a project update and sought committee consideration for additional transient guest tax support to complete a multi-field turf "quad" that organizers say would enable Topeka to host state-level tournaments currently held in neighboring states.
TJ McDonald, Sunflower Sports executive director, said the lighting installation at the existing turf field and parking lot was delayed by contractor staffing and turnover; Sunflower paid a deposit of roughly $222,000 and now expects engineering to be finished with installation by the end of the year or shortly after. McDonald said lights should be in place for the spring season.
McDonald outlined options for completing the larger quad turf area: building four separate fields could cost roughly $3.4 million to $3.9 million, while turfing the whole area would reduce the per-unit cost slightly to about $3.3 million to $3.8 million. He said a total funding request to secure and develop the area could range from $2 million to $5.5 million depending on scope and financing. Sunflower argued the expansion would allow the city to capture events now sent to other communities and would lower rental costs for local teams.
A committee member asked staff for a memo clarifying the remaining term and renewal mechanics of Sunflower Soccer's TGT-related arrangement so the committee can assess what money remains available. The committee did not vote on Sunflower's funding request during the meeting.
Sunflower provided comparative context, citing Stryker Field in Wichita and a three-year deal estimated to bring a $12 million direct impact as an example of the economic potential of tournament-level play.
The committee requested follow-up materials; staff will prepare the accounting memo to inform future funding decisions.
