There’s more to soccer culture than the professional game, which is why we’ve put together guides for each of MLS’ 19 markets. Whether you’re just dropping in on vacation or hitting the road with your fellow supporters, here’s the lowdown on what to do and how to do it.
SOCCER CULTURE
For years, Kansas City was more passionate about youth soccer than the professional game. Now, it's safe to say the Fountain City has grown into a solid contender for the title it claims: "Soccer Capital of the US." KC boasts successful MLS, NWSL and MASL sides, one of the country's best venues in Sporting Park, and soon will have a U.S. Soccer training facility in the mix as well. The fan base is young, knowledgeable and passionate about the club, international and world scenes.
WHERE TO PLAY
Where to play? Pick a spot. There are thriving amateur leagues spread across the metro area, most sponsored by local recreation departments. If you have the stamina, it's possible to get in on more than one game a night if a side needs players. Looking for a pickup game? They're everywhere, from parks in Argentine and the Westside to the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
LOCAL CUISINE
KC has a thriving restaurant scene, but there's one cuisine to rule them all: barbecue. These are three can't-miss options:
- Joe's Kansas City: That's what they call it now, at least, even though locals know it as "Oklahoma Joe's." Yes, you'll have to wind your way through a convenience store to get to the front of the 'cue queue, but the ribs, burnt ends and signature "Z-Man" sandwiches will be worth the wait.
- Gates Bar-B-Q: This local chain traces its lineage back for decades, and its deep-orange, peppery, celery-seed-forward sauce is a big reason for its longevity. Overwhelmed by the repeated calls of "Hi, may I help you?" Just blurt out "Beef on Bun" – and don't forget to take your tray.
- Arthur Bryant's Barbeque: Bryant's lineup of celebrity fans, amassed over the years, bears witness to the virtues of keeping it simple. The sauce isn't KC typical – it's thinner, with more vinegar and lots of paprika – but put some on a pile of burnt ends, dive in, and you'll see why this place has lasted so long.
- Not a 'cue fan? The city does have a cut of beef named after it, too. Solid local steakhouse options: The Majestic, Jess and Jim's, Hereford House.
SOCCER BARS
The KC area now has a soccer-specific pub, Futbol Club KC Eatery & Tap in Overland Park, Kan. In addition to Sporting KC and US national team matches, the venue also shows plenty of European action (and opens early on the weekends to show it.)
The real hub of USMNT support in Kansas City, though, is Johnny's Tavern in the downtown Power & Light District. That's where the local chapter of the American Outlaws gathers for watch parties, and the place is always jammed when the Nats play.
Half an hour west in Lawrence, Kan., the Red Lyon is another soccer-watching hotspot. Lawrence's AO chapter hubs there, as does the Mass Street Mob – Sporting's Lawrence supporters group. Lawrence is also the birthplace of the Cauldron, Kansas City's biggest SG, which had its genesis at Stephenson Scholarship Hall at the University of Kansas.
WHERE TO VISIT
- The Liberty Memorial is more than an iconic image of Kansas City. It also houses the nation's only World War I museum – which contains an exhibit commemorating the famous "Truce Match," and annually holds a 3-on-3 tournament in honor of that event.
- The 18th and Vine District is home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum, and still boasts several thriving jazz venues. Feel like staying up late on a weekend? The Mutual Musicians Foundation jam goes on until 5 a.m.
- Boulevard Brewing Co., which pioneered Kansas City's craft brewing scene and has a thriving relationship with Sporting KC, offers free tours daily. Check the brewery's website for times, and show up early; there's no advance booking, and tours fill up fast.
- Other popular destinations: The Country Club Plaza; Westport; the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
MATCHDAY
What makes match day unique? Expect to have plenty of loud company. Sporting Park has been sold out for 53 straight league games, a streak dating to 2012, and in 2014 set a record by averaging 20,003 per MLS match. That's not a lot of standing room. And when members of the Cauldron spill out of the Boulevard Members Club to take their spots, well before kickoff, the energy level ratchets up – and stays there.
MATCHDAY TIPS:
- Give yourself plenty of time to get there. Sporting Park is a drive-to venue in a busy retail and entertainment district, and the traffic can stack up.
- Bring tailgating supplies. Half the fun of match day in KC is in firing up a grill, cracking open something cold, and hanging out with old friends while making some new ones.
- Stay hydrated, especially for summer matches. Heat indices can peak in the triple digits in July and August – and it's a good idea any time, especially after all that tailgating.
