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Sunflower Sports outlines multi‑phase expansion of Topeka complex
Summary
Sunflower Sports told the Transient Guest Tax Committee on July 23 that Phase 1 lighting work finished in mid‑February, enabling a National League weekend; Phase 2 will add turf and lighting to two fields and Phase 3 would create a larger quad with mixed turf, grass and hybrid surfaces across an additional 54 acres.
At the July 23 meeting of the Transient Guest Tax Committee, Dustin, operations director for Sunflower Sports, updated the committee on a planned multi‑phase expansion of its Topeka complex. "That project was done mid February, which allowed us to host one of the National League weekends at the end of February, which brought teams in from Omaha, Saint Louis," he said, describing Phase 1 lighting work completed despite procurement and weather delays.
Dustin said Phase 2 will add a new turf field adjacent to the existing turf and install two light poles to create two lit fields in that area. Field 1 is being designed to accommodate three 11v11 football fields with a 60‑yard weekend extension dedicated to a specialized 'top soccer' program; weekdays would be reserved for technical and goalkeeper training. He said the full project will include a mix of artificial turf, hybrid surfaces and grass fields and that Sunflower Sports owns roughly 54 undeveloped acres behind the complex where three additional grass fields are planned. The organization is also evaluating expanded parking, a second west entrance, and vendor walkways to reduce vehicle conflicts.
Committee Chair Michelle Hoefer told Sunflower Sports to notify the committee when it is ready to request funds; the committee will then authorize and process any funding request. Dustin said Sunflower Sports was in conversations with contractors about Phase 2 and expected to have more information in the coming weeks. He also said the group was negotiating a Midwest event at the end of February that could bring regional or national teams to the complex.
Next steps: Sunflower Sports will continue contractor discussions and return with more details when available. The committee offered to process funding requests once Sunflower Sports formally applies for transient guest tax support.
