Sporting Kansas City Overview

Fast facts

League: MLS

Head Coach: Peter Vermes

Team Mascot: Blue the Dog

Year Opened: 2011

Capacity: 18467

City / State: Kansas City / KS

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Sporting Kansas City vs Real Salt Lake

Rival Team: Real Salt Lake

Over the years, Sporting Kansas City has developed a fierce rivalry with Real Salt Lake. The two teams even met in the 2013 MLS Cup Final, where Sporting defeated Real Salt Lake 7-6 on penalties. You’ll be in for a good match when Real Salt Lake comes to town, so don’t miss it.

Sporting Kansas City vs Houston Dynamo

Rival Team: Houston Dynamo

The rivalry between the Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City was fostered by some tough playoff matches between the two teams and has grown since then. Over the past decade or so the Dynamo and Sporting have been two of the best teams in the league, so don’t miss it when the Houston Dynamo come to Children’s Mercy Park.

Sporting Kansas City vs Minnesota United

Rival Team: Minnesota United

Minnesota United just entered the league this year, so they’re yet to establish any real rivalries. However, Sporting Kansas City is the closest Western Conference team to Minnesota so look for a rivalry to develop between these two Western Conference foes.

Sporting Kansas City Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating is a huge part of any Kansas City sporting event, and it’s no different at a Sporting Kansas City match. The fans here love to tailgate, and there is plenty of space to tailgate as it’s permitted in every general admission lot. Outside Children’s, Mercy Park you’ll see a sea of blue as Sporting fans arrive early to get the match day festivities going early.

In addition to some incredible traditional tailgating, Sporting Kansas City’s No Other Pub provides a unique pregame experience. The official Sporting Kansas City pub in downtown Kansas City not only provides transportation to games but is also home to tons of games and other activities. Getting a drink at No Other Pub is nothing like anything you’ve ever experience so stop by before the match.

Whether you enjoy firing up the grills with some of your closest friends or grabbing a beer at the pub before the game, Sporting Kansas City has you covered as there is plenty of pregame festivities to keep you entertained before the match.

Traditions

The Cauldron Tailgate

Those of you who are looking to tailgate with die hard Sporting Kansas City supporters will want to check out The Cauldron tailgate. Located in Lot F, The Cauldron throw one of the best tailgating bashes around. The group is very welcoming just make sure to bring a small donation.

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No Other Pub

What better place to hang out before the game then Sporting Kansas City’s pub? No Other Pub not only offers shuttles to the match, but it’s also home to a wide variety of entertainment options including bowling, ping pong, golf, and arcade games. There isn’t a better sports bar to grab a drink at before a Sporting match, so make sure to check out No Other Pub.

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Sporting Plaza

If you’re bringing the kids to the game, make sure to stop by Sporting Plaza. Sporting Plaza opens two hours before kickoff and is home to a variety of games and activities.

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Where to tailgate

Sporting Kansas City Stadium Guide

In Game

Known as “The Soccer Capital of America” Children’s Mercy Park is home to one of the best match day experiences in Major League Soccer. The incredible support from the Kansas City crowd and the excellent match day production make attending a Sporting match a treat for any MLS fan.

The supporter groups in both The KC Cauldron and The South End SC help create an incredible atmosphere at Children’s Mercy Park. You won’t find another atmosphere quite like it as both ends of the stadium sing and chant throughout the entire match. The supporters do an excellent job of giving Sporting a home field advantage as they propel Sporting to victory.

It’s not just the supporters who make attending a Sporting Kansas City match a great experience. The production value is top notch as the pyrotechnics, and pregame videos will get anyone hyped up to cheer on Sporting. Additionally, the stadium offers gorgeous sightlines no matter where you’re sitting as well.

Things to check out

The KC Cauldron and The South End SC

On both ends of Children’s Mercy Park, you’ll find some fantastic supporter groups. The groups in both the KC Cauldron and The South End SC put on incredible displays and can be heard chanting throughout the match. Join one of the groups for your chance to be a part of the loudest and most vocal sections at the match.

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Sporting Style

Sporting Style is the official team shop at Children’s Mercy Park and your place to pick up some Sporting KC gear. Here you’ll find just about any Sporting merchandise you could ever want meaning no matter what you’re looking for you won’t go away empty-handed.

Sporting Saison

Brewed by local brewery Boulevard, Sporting Saison is only available at children’s Mercy Park. Make sure to pick up a pint of Sporting Kansas City’s signature brew during your trip to Kansas City.

Blue the Dog

Blue the Dog is the official mascot of Sporting Kansas City. On match days you can see Blue entertaining the crowd, so keep an eye out for him as you wouldn’t want to miss him.

Sporting Kansas City Bars & Restaurants

  1. Yard House

    Yardhouse Nachos

    High-end sports-bar chain with a huge menu of New American fare & an extensive list of draft beers.

    1863 Village W Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66109, USA

    913-788-4500

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Granite City Food & Brewery

    Casual chain eatery with an American comfort-food menu plus craft beers brewed on-site.

    1701 Village W Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111, USA

    913-334-2255

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen

    Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen Drink

    Relaxed Cajun-Creole chain serving classic fare, including po' boys, gumbo & blackened catfish.

    1859 Village W Pkwy #102, Kansas City, KS 66109, USA

    913-328-0003

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. JAMZ Bar and Grill

    Hoops Food and Spirits Cocktails Stringtown Bar and Grill Cocktails Halftime Sports Pub Cocktails Irish Mikes Old Town Pub Cocktails Aggie's Sports Bar Cocktails JAMZ Bar and Grill Cocktails

    JAMZ Bar & Grill is a 3 year old business serving hot breakfast, lunch and dinner daily opening at 7 a.m. daily with good food, nice and friendly staff.

    11657 Kaw Dr, Kansas City, KS 66111, USA

    913-441-2900

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Twisters Grill & Bar

    Twisters Grill and Bar Beer

    Modern, no-nonsense hangout with arcade games & a long bar turning out typical pub grub & beer.

    13100 Kansas Ave, Bonner Springs, KS 66012, USA

    913-667-3700

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Kobi’s Bar & Grill

    SpeedZone Tavern Beer Sheridans Irish Pub Beer Kobis Bar & Grill Beer

    Family-run bar offering casual eats in basic digs with a patio, with benefit bike shows & rides.

    113 Oak St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012, USA

    913-422-5657

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. The Dotte Spot Bar & Grill

    JD Allisons Bar & Grill Burger JRs HOmetown Grill & Pub Burger The Dotte Spot Bar & Grill Burger Jewels Delux Restaurant Burger

    You know what goes good with happy hour drinks? Complimentary baskets of house made pork rinds! That's exactly what you'll expect in this place.

    8123 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66112, USA

    913-299-0022

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  8. KC’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill

    KCs Neighborhood Bar and Grill Corona

    KC's Bar is a private club, with the best drink specials and talented bar staff.

    10201 47th St, Shawnee, KS 66203, USA

    913-262-7211

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Danny’s Bar & Grill North

    Dannys Bar and Grill North Bar

    Festive game-day hangout serving an ample menu of comfort eats & pub grub in a roomy space.

    10940 Parallel Pkwy q, Kansas City, KS 66109, USA

    913-328-0247

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Hurricane Allie’s Bar & Grill

    Hurricane Allies Bar and Grill Beer

    Hurricane Allie's is one of the greatest places for hang outs over beers.

    5541 Merriam Dr, Shawnee, KS 66203, USA

    913-217-7665

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Tanner’s Bar & Grill

    Tanners Bar and Grill Chicken Tenders

    Bar & grill chain serving pub grub, burgers, sandwiches & wings in a casual space with TVs.

    22374 W 66th St, Shawnee, KS 66226, USA

    913-745-8100

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Jake’s Place

    Bloody Mary

    Humble hangout & cigar shop offering patio seating, American bar bites, wine, beer & cocktails.

    12001 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS 66216, USA

    913-962-5253

    Bar website

    american - $$