A vibrant sports culture shapes the KC region and nurtures a community of champions.
By Pete Dulin
Fandom itself is practically a sport in KC. Native residents and transplants find a common language, a mutual enthusiasm for sports that lasts a lifetime.That invigorating spirit resonates through every season.
Each spring, Kansas City hosts the Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship, where more than 150,000 ticket holders watch hoops at the T-Mobile Center. March Madness fans rally behind powerhouse and Cinderella-story college basketball teams. We attend watch parties at the Power and Light District to root and hope, rain or shine. Electric cheers reverberate city-wide.
And when football season rolls around, members of Kansas City Chiefs Kingdom flock from Midwest cities and gather at Arrowhead Stadium. The Sea of Red begins in the parking lot. Fragrant smoke whets our appetite. We prepare barbecue slow and low, temperature rising at the tailgate, and show hospitality to visitors. Since 2014, Arrowhead has held the Guinness World Record for the loudest outdoor stadium, with crowd chants and decibel-busting roars frustrating opponents and thrilling fans.
Generations of sports lovers pass on traditions backed by local pride. Young athletes throughout Kansas City learn and grow not only in schools, but also on the field, in gyms and at sports complexes. They develop leadership and sportsmanship skills that serve them in competition and in life.
Backed by family, coaches and friends, we show solidarity after a setback. We bond over triumph and celebrate achievement.
Our winners’ list is long and worthy. We tout Super Bowl wins, World Series championships and MLS Cups.
Champions themselves, KC Current has made history by playing at CPKC Stadium, the world’s first purpose-built stadium for a women’s professional sports team. Fan-based KC Blue Crew and Undertow KC keep Teal Rising spirits raised high on match days.
And the ultimate win for KC? Hosting fans from around the globe for FIFA World Cup 26™.
Nothing slows us down. We are home to champions, a community proud to support our sports heroes and each other year-round.