Josh Klingler: Give SKC a shot
by Josh Klingler
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posted Jun 15 2011 3:29AM
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NOTE: I'M ADMITTEDLY A SOCCER GEEK. Thanks for your attention. I've played soccer my whole life, with a recently repaired knee to prove it. While I enjoy it, I don't force it upon others. If you don't like soccer that's fine. But …. give SportingKC a chance in the new Livestrong Sporting Park.
The place is really cool, if you like new stadiums, this one should be a stop on your list. It could have been very easy to build a cookie cutter no frills building for the little brother of pro sports, MLS. But instead what you'll find is a well thought project for both the fans and the team. It's got great sight lines, even the last row feels like you are only 20 feet above the field. There's not a bad seat in the house. The rowdies from The Cauldron, the uber fans of the team, are right behind one of the goals, and should help jumpstart what should be a fun atmosphere. They've got a monster video board and sound system, TVs all over the place and it's wired with great technology. When I was there two weeks ago for a practice the wireless internet was already humming along.
The franchise wants you to give it a try, you can even sign up on their website to become a 'member' for free with a chance to get a good bunch of free tickets they'll dole out every week. They are not treating it as “if you build it, we will come” but rather “if you come out, we hope you'll want to come back.”
The club is also hope the new stadium can be an attraction to recruit players who want to play in Kansas City. The league doesn't have free agency yet, but it's in the back of the minds of SportingKC, hopeful word of mouth from visiting teams and the US National Team playing here on July 14th will be a chance to show off the top notch facility.
The ultimate test will be beyond the home debut and keep fans going even after the newness of the building gets you through the gate. The team did not get off to a great start and soccer for some is still very foreign. But even if you aren't there for the wins, losses, and yes, ties .. the new stadium will have plenty going on to make it a place to be.
Tags : Topics : SportsSocial : SportsLocations : Kansas CityPeople : Josh Klingler
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