Sporting KC Forbes | Sporting Park: One of America's Best Sporting Experiences - Page 3

|Zach| · 04-08-2013, 10:20 PM

Sporting Park: One of America's Best Sporting Experiences

http://www.forbes.com/sites/prishe/2...g-experiences/

From a consumer’s perspective, Sporting KC is among America’s best sporting experiences.

Bold statement? Perhaps, and not one that would likely apply to sports fans who cannot stand soccer.

But when you consider all the things that make a person’s complete consumption experience at a sporting event enjoyable and memorable, Sporting KC takes a back seat to few within the professional sports realm.

And from a broader perspective, the Kansas City region (both in Missouri and Kansas) is slowly seeing the economic fruits of its various regional development projects.

FANTASTIC CONSUMER EXPERIENCE AT SPORTING PARK

On March 30th, we attended a Saturday night match-up between Sporting KC and Montreal Impact. A highly anticipated affair given that Montreal came into the match with an unbeaten 4-0 mark, facing a home side that was the defending 2012 Eastern Conference champions.

We had some inkling as to what kind of afternoon/evening we were in store for based on my previous experience at the facility for the USA v Guatemala World Cup qualifying match in October 2012. But whereas nationalistic spirit was on display that night, what we were treated to on this night was Blue Heaven.

There are numerous attributes that comprise a consumer’s total sports experience:

- Facility

Sporting Park is first-rate, and it is no surprise that USA Soccer is heading back there October 11th for their final home World Cup qualifier versus Jamaica.

An open-air facility, Sporting Park is architecturally designed such that most if not all the seats are covered from the elements. Furthermore, this design traps fan noise within the facility…creating more of a home field advantage.

My co-author herein, a former Division I soccer player who has attended numerous professional soccer matches both in the United States and in Europe including the 2006 World Cup in Germany, noted that the stadium is as good as he has seen for a stadium of its size…and that includes stadiums that have hosted World Cup matches and important club competitions.

- Fans

Boisterous, engaged, united, and educated. What more can you ask for.

Walking into the stadium, numerous people had scarves and jerseys representing the team’s colors. The atmosphere felt like a proper soccer match…almost as if attending a professional match in Europe.

Additionally, most of the more ardent supporters had chants memorized which permeated throughout the stadium. Given the crowd noise throughout the match, many media members were shocked that the attendance wasn’t greater than the reported 18,609 in attendance.

- Complementary consumer activity

Conveniently built next to the Legends Outlets, Warren Buffet-owned Nebraska Furniture Mart, Cabela’s outdoor recreation merchandise and outfitter, and the Kansas Motor Speedway, there are countless ways to entertain oneself and make a full afternoon/evening of it.

- Ease of transportation

Though a 15-minute drive west of downtown Kansas City, the facility is less than 2 miles off Interstate 70. And since crowd sizes are between 18-20 K, traffic before and after games is highly manageable.

SPORTING KC PART OF A BROADER RE-BRANDING EFFORT IN KANSAS CITY

Long known for their tasty barbecue, the elegant Plaza, and home to rabid Chiefs football fans, the Kansas City region has become a better destination for out-of-town visitors/events thanks to a myriad of both urban developments (Power and Light District most notably) and sports facilities (Kansas Motor Speedway, Sprint Center, and Sporting Park).

There is no doubt, however, that the success of Sporting KC in recent years has led to the additional visibility associated with the U.S. National Team performing in K.C.

In 2011 and 2012 respectively, Sporting KC averaged 17,810 and 19,404 fans…among the league’s best. And in light of all the factors that build upon a fan’s high-quality sporting experience, combined with the decided home-field advantage that Sporting KC enjoys at Sporting Park in part due to its loyal supporters, it is no surprise that this facility has become a must-have on Team USA’s home qualifying schedule.

And why a trip to Sporting Park is a must-see sporting spectacle. Certainly if you are a soccer fan, and more generally, for sports consumers who simply appreciate a superior sports consumption experience.

Titty Meat · 04-09-2013, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo

I wonder if there's a soccer hall of fame? If so, it's probably the size of a highway rest area, right? I mean the only busts enshrined there would be that guy Pele and Posh Spice's husband.

They probably don't call it the hall of fame and the requirements to get in are probably ass backwards like the rules of soccer are.

Deberg_1990 · 04-09-2013, 11:06 AM

uh oh.....Whats he implying here?

http://www.kcconfidential.com/2013/0...ts/#more-10903

It’s a clean cut crowd, too.

A little too clean cut by my measure. Because if soccer is to truly succeed here, the unwashed need to be a part of the equation.

Ever gone to a Chiefs game at Arrowhead?

I hesitate to use the word rabble, but I can’t imagine anybody characterizing a Chiefs crowd as clean cut. Not even close.

|Zach| · 04-09-2013, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

heh, got to question |Zach|s timing with these soccer threads. He always manages create or bump them on significant event days for the Royals and Chiefs. Coincidence?

I posted this on the date it was published and I update the game thread as games happen.

|Zach| · 04-09-2013, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

uh oh.....Whats he implying here?

http://www.kcconfidential.com/2013/0...ts/#more-10903

It’s a clean cut crowd, too.

A little too clean cut by my measure. Because if soccer is to truly succeed here, the unwashed need to be a part of the equation.

Ever gone to a Chiefs game at Arrowhead?

I hesitate to use the word rabble, but I can’t imagine anybody characterizing a Chiefs crowd as clean cut. Not even close.

Silly characterization.

The cheapest seats...and season tickets...have a club all to themselves and amazing seats.

They have not priced out the average fan.

Chief_For_Life58 · 04-09-2013, 11:30 AM

whats soccer?

Deberg_1990 · 04-09-2013, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Zach|

I posted this on the date it was published and I update the game thread as games happen.

Maybe its just my imagination then.

DJJasonp · 04-09-2013, 11:41 AM

would love to make the trip back there, and have first sporting park experience be the world cup qualifier in October!

**Saul Good** · 04-09-2013, 11:50 AM

I've never heard anyone say a negative thing about a SKC game. I really want to go to a couple this year. I went to a Mavericks game last weekend, and it was a good time.

Between the newly rennovated Kauffman and Arrowhead, Livestrong, the Sprint Center, the Independence Events Center, the Speedway, Community America Ballpark, and the Kauffman Center, this city has some of the best facilities in the world to see an event/show.

Deberg_1990 · 04-09-2013, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saul Good

Between the newly rennovated Kauffman and Arrowhead, Livestrong, the Sprint Center, the Independence Events Center, the Speedway, Community America Ballpark, and the Kauffman Center, this city has some of the best facilities in the world to see an event/show.

yep. ill never understand why some people still think of KC as a cowtown? Its a world class city.

|Zach| · 04-09-2013, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJJasonp

would love to make the trip back there, and have first sporting park experience be the world cup qualifier in October!

Shit is gonna be crazy for that game can't wait.

RunKC · 04-09-2013, 02:18 PM

Fact: last year Sporting KC was the place to be and nobody gave a shit about the Chiefs or Royals.

Another fact: Sporting KC actually gets to the playoffs and wins games.

Thig Lyfe · 04-09-2013, 04:57 PM

yo I can't believe a bunch of people who hate soccer are posting in this thread about soccer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hammock Parties · 04-09-2013, 04:58 PM

how much are the tickets? like $10?

Pablo · 04-09-2013, 05:06 PM

I'll probably hit up a couple of games this summer. Not much on the actual game of soccer, but the atmosphere is fun and the park is a beauty.

Holladay · 04-09-2013, 05:09 PM

There is now a generation + that grew up playing some sort of youth soccer. Thus the fandom. I'd like to go someday.

In the vids, hard to picture the size. Was stated around 18-19k. Thats it? Doesnt Allen Fieldhouse hold 16k?

whoot 600

04-08-2013, 10:20 PM
\|Zach\| For The Glory Of The City Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $5326768	Forbes \| Sporting Park: One of America's Best Sporting Experiences Sporting Park: One of America's Best Sporting Experiences http://www.forbes.com/sites/prishe/2...g-experiences/ From a consumer’s perspective, Sporting KC is among America’s best sporting experiences. Bold statement? Perhaps, and not one that would likely apply to sports fans who cannot stand soccer. But when you consider all the things that make a person’s complete consumption experience at a sporting event enjoyable and memorable, Sporting KC takes a back seat to few within the professional sports realm. And from a broader perspective, the Kansas City region (both in Missouri and Kansas) is slowly seeing the economic fruits of its various regional development projects. FANTASTIC CONSUMER EXPERIENCE AT SPORTING PARK On March 30th, we attended a Saturday night match-up between Sporting KC and Montreal Impact. A highly anticipated affair given that Montreal came into the match with an unbeaten 4-0 mark, facing a home side that was the defending 2012 Eastern Conference champions. We had some inkling as to what kind of afternoon/evening we were in store for based on my previous experience at the facility for the USA v Guatemala World Cup qualifying match in October 2012. But whereas nationalistic spirit was on display that night, what we were treated to on this night was Blue Heaven. There are numerous attributes that comprise a consumer’s total sports experience: - Facility Sporting Park is first-rate, and it is no surprise that USA Soccer is heading back there October 11th for their final home World Cup qualifier versus Jamaica. An open-air facility, Sporting Park is architecturally designed such that most if not all the seats are covered from the elements. Furthermore, this design traps fan noise within the facility…creating more of a home field advantage. My co-author herein, a former Division I soccer player who has attended numerous professional soccer matches both in the United States and in Europe including the 2006 World Cup in Germany, noted that the stadium is as good as he has seen for a stadium of its size…and that includes stadiums that have hosted World Cup matches and important club competitions. - Fans Boisterous, engaged, united, and educated. What more can you ask for. Walking into the stadium, numerous people had scarves and jerseys representing the team’s colors. The atmosphere felt like a proper soccer match…almost as if attending a professional match in Europe. Additionally, most of the more ardent supporters had chants memorized which permeated throughout the stadium. Given the crowd noise throughout the match, many media members were shocked that the attendance wasn’t greater than the reported 18,609 in attendance. - Complementary consumer activity Conveniently built next to the Legends Outlets, Warren Buffet-owned Nebraska Furniture Mart, Cabela’s outdoor recreation merchandise and outfitter, and the Kansas Motor Speedway, there are countless ways to entertain oneself and make a full afternoon/evening of it. - Ease of transportation Though a 15-minute drive west of downtown Kansas City, the facility is less than 2 miles off Interstate 70. And since crowd sizes are between 18-20 K, traffic before and after games is highly manageable. SPORTING KC PART OF A BROADER RE-BRANDING EFFORT IN KANSAS CITY Long known for their tasty barbecue, the elegant Plaza, and home to rabid Chiefs football fans, the Kansas City region has become a better destination for out-of-town visitors/events thanks to a myriad of both urban developments (Power and Light District most notably) and sports facilities (Kansas Motor Speedway, Sprint Center, and Sporting Park). There is no doubt, however, that the success of Sporting KC in recent years has led to the additional visibility associated with the U.S. National Team performing in K.C. In 2011 and 2012 respectively, Sporting KC averaged 17,810 and 19,404 fans…among the league’s best. And in light of all the factors that build upon a fan’s high-quality sporting experience, combined with the decided home-field advantage that Sporting KC enjoys at Sporting Park in part due to its loyal supporters, it is no surprise that this facility has become a must-have on Team USA’s home qualifying schedule. And why a trip to Sporting Park is a must-see sporting spectacle. Certainly if you are a soccer fan, and more generally, for sports consumers who simply appreciate a superior sports consumption experience.
Posts: 53,435

04-09-2013, 11:06 AM	#32
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $3914454	uh oh.....Whats he implying here? http://www.kcconfidential.com/2013/0...ts/#more-10903 It’s a clean cut crowd, too. A little too clean cut by my measure. Because if soccer is to truly succeed here, the unwashed need to be a part of the equation. Ever gone to a Chiefs game at Arrowhead? I hesitate to use the word rabble, but I can’t imagine anybody characterizing a Chiefs crowd as clean cut. Not even close. __________________ Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning: Matt once made a very nice play in Seattle where he spun away from a pass rusher and hit Bowe off his back foot for a first down. One of the best plays Matt has ever made.
Posts: 66,914

04-09-2013, 11:30 AM	#35
Chief_For_Life58 Veteran Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: KC Casino cash: $9925938	whats soccer?
Posts: 3,859

04-09-2013, 11:41 AM	#37
DJJasonp My work speaks for itself!!! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $1985200	would love to make the trip back there, and have first sporting park experience be the world cup qualifier in October! __________________ Its easier to fool a man, than to convince a man he's been fooled.
Posts: 11,982

04-09-2013, 11:50 AM	#38
Saul Good Quit your bullshit Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bored of winning Casino cash: $10052799	I've never heard anyone say a negative thing about a SKC game. I really want to go to a couple this year. I went to a Mavericks game last weekend, and it was a good time. Between the newly rennovated Kauffman and Arrowhead, Livestrong, the Sprint Center, the Independence Events Center, the Speedway, Community America Ballpark, and the Kauffman Center, this city has some of the best facilities in the world to see an event/show. __________________ Today is not a good day to be a pussy.
Posts: 41,870

04-09-2013, 02:18 PM	#41
RunKC Andy Reid Supporter Join Date: Apr 2012 Casino cash: $2259611	Fact: last year Sporting KC was the place to be and nobody gave a shit about the Chiefs or Royals. Another fact: Sporting KC actually gets to the playoffs and wins games. __________________ Mike Greenberg@Espngreeny I can’t fathom what it must be like to be a fan of the #Chiefs. Adopt a Chief: Noah Gray
Posts: 46,052

04-09-2013, 04:57 PM	#42
Thig Lyfe Banned Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Thigpen's America Casino cash: $10004900	yo I can't believe a bunch of people who hate soccer are posting in this thread about soccer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posts: 25,680

04-09-2013, 04:58 PM	#43
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4720478	how much are the tickets? like $10? __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,840

04-09-2013, 05:06 PM	#44
Pablo Ultrabanned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $2029356	I'll probably hit up a couple of games this summer. Not much on the actual game of soccer, but the atmosphere is fun and the park is a beauty.
Posts: 40,295

04-09-2013, 05:09 PM	#45
Holladay Veteran Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $2629480	There is now a generation + that grew up playing some sort of youth soccer. Thus the fandom. I'd like to go someday. In the vids, hard to picture the size. Was stated around 18-19k. Thats it? Doesnt Allen Fieldhouse hold 16k? whoot 600
Posts: 3,582