The Kansas City T-Bones will welcome a new tenant to CommunityAmerica Ballpark for the next two seasons, the Kansas City Wizards.  The T-Bones are happy to provide their fan-friendly environment to the world of Major League Soccer through the 2009 season.

More than a million fans have reinforced that CommunityAmerica Ballpark is an appealing venue for events in addition to the T-Bones’ 48-game home schedule.  The ballpark is a key component of Kansas City Kansas’ neighborhood.  A growing number of events like concerts, dodgeball tournaments, bridal shows, a farmer’s market and the coming Wizards games support that.

“We are delighted that tens of thousands of soccer fans will now enjoy the ambience and facilities that 1,250,000 T-Bones fans have enjoyed over the past five years,” said T-Bones and CommunityAmerica Ballpark owner John Ehlert.

In order to accommodate the Wizards, the ballpark will undergo slight modifications to seat the spectators the Wizards attract per game.  Preliminary plans call for fixed seats to be added down the left-field line, replacing the existing berm.  Bleachers will also be added behind the additional seats and behind the left-field wall.  In order to comply with MLS regulations sod will replace a portion of the infield dirt prior to each game.  The sod will be removed and replaced with the proper infield surface before T-Bones games.  Plans to augment the available parking are also in the works to better accommodate the additional fans the Wizards expect to draw.

“With approximately 10,000 seats, this move allows the Wizards and our fans the opportunity to be a part of a more intimate atmosphere that has not been present before,” said Wizards Executive Vice President Greg Cotton.  “We believe this is an excellent venue for showcasing our world-class athletes in an atmosphere that is exciting, energetic and fun.”

“The Wizards soccer team is a great attraction for Kansas City,” said Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Joe Reardon.  “So are Village West, The Legends, and CommunityAmerica Ballpark.  Combining these world-class attractions is a win for soccer fans and all Kansas City residents.”

The Wizards play a 30-game regular season and have shared Arrowhead Stadium with the Kansas City Chiefs since 1996.  The Wizards expect to be moving to a new permanent home in 2010.