MLS
Stadium Guide
·
Kansas City, KS
Opened
2011
Capacity of
18,467
Best way there
Tickets
Mobile only, via SeatGeek
Use the SeatGeek or Sporting KC app.
Arrive by
Gates open 90 min to 2 hrs early
Times vary by match. Check the match page.
Bag policy
Clear bags only, 12" × 12" × 6"
Small clutches up to 4.5" × 6.5". No backpacks.
Food & water
No outside food or drinks
Exceptions for food allergies and infant food or formula.
Parking
$10–$20
On-site Children's Mercy Park lots.
Nearest airport
Kansas City (MCI) · 22 mi
About 30 min by car.
Best value seats
Upper midfield sections
They offer a clean elevated view of the full pitch.
Children's Mercy Park opened in 2011 in Kansas City, Kansas — just west of downtown Kansas City, Missouri — and has been home to Sporting Kansas City ever since. It holds just under 18,500 fans in a purpose-built soccer stadium with a distinctive design and one of the better atmospheres in MLS. The covered south stand, where Sporting's supporter group (The Cauldron) concentrates, creates a wall of noise that carries throughout the ground.
The stadium is in the Village West entertainment district in KCK, surrounded by the Legends outdoor shopping area and a cluster of restaurants and bars. The location is accessible by car from both Kansas Cities, with ample parking in the surrounding lots. Kansas City's transit doesn't extend efficiently to the stadium, so driving or ridesharing is the realistic approach for most fans. The Cauldron's display work and constant support make matchday at Children's Mercy Park one of the more authentic American soccer experiences.
MCI is about 22 miles northwest of Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS. Rideshare runs $35–50. There's no direct transit, so drive or take rideshare.
ADA spaces are in the on-site lots. Accessible drop-off is near the main entrance. Accommodations: sportingkc.com.
Plenty of on-site parking in the surrounding lots. Pre-purchase online for better rates on big match days.
The Cauldron supporter group makes one of the best pre-match atmospheres in MLS. Lots fill early with supporters and tailgaters. Arrive early for the tifo reveals.
Limited. Occasional game-day buses run from Kansas City. Check kcata.org before each match. Most fans drive or take rideshare.
The stadium is in a commercial/industrial area of Kansas City, KS with no walkable neighborhood. Drive or take rideshare.
Bike parking near the stadium. The suburban setting makes cycling impractical for most fans.
No outside drinks. Parents with small children may bring plastic bottles of formula or milk.
No outside food or drinks, except for food allergy needs and infant food.
Clear bags up to 12" x 12" x 6". Small clutch purses up to 4.5" x 6.5". No backpacks. Medical and diaper bags are allowed with inspection.
Children’s Mercy Park is a soccer-specific stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, opened in 2011. Lower bowl midfield is close to the touchline with clean views of the full pitch. The intimate design and strong supporter culture create a good atmosphere.
Upper bowl midfield gives a solid overhead view at a lower price. The compact design keeps it close to the action. Good value, especially for regular-season matches when lower bowl demand is lower.
Both end stands have standing supporter sections that are great for atmosphere but limited for watching the game. Corners have restricted sightlines. Choose midfield. The supporter noise carries throughout the stadium.
The stadium runs roughly north-south. The west side faces east and shades out earlier. The east side gets more direct afternoon sun for evening kickoffs. The shaded west side is noticeably more comfortable for afternoon or early-evening games from June through August.
Open-air. March and April games can be cold and rainy. Summer is hot and humid, with possible afternoon thunderstorms. September and October can be excellent or cold. Bring layers for early and late season games.
Main Concourse - Top-ranked BBQ. Get the Z-Man sandwich: brisket, smoked provolone and an onion ring.
Section 112 - Fresh KC taqueria-style tacos. The barbacoa and carnitas are highlights.
Throughout the Stadium - Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale and rotating seasonals from the local craft brewery.
The Cauldron and allied supporter groups organize pre-match tailgates around Children's Mercy Park before home matches. Check The Cauldron and other Sporting KC supporter group social media for current pre-match meetup details and times.
Sporting KC's The Cauldron — sections S1–S9 at Children's Mercy Park — is among the most celebrated supporter sections in MLS. Relentless chanting, smoke, wall-to-wall flags, and some of the most creative tifo in the league define every home match. The Cauldron has consistently set the standard for what a supporter section in American soccer can look and sound like. Non-Sporting KC apparel is not permitted in the supporter sections.
The Cauldron keeps a full songbook on their website — kccauldron.com/songs-and-chants.
The Price Chopper South Stand (Sections 115–121) is the more family-friendly area, with traditional seats under the canopy roof. The Price Chopper Market for grab-and-go food is right behind Section 118.
Outside water isn't allowed except one empty soft plastic bottle (20oz or less) to refill at water stations. Some matches hand out free ice pops for kids.
Nursing: Private mothering room. Ask any staff member or Fan Services Kiosk.
Changing tables: All 32 public restrooms have baby-changing stations. Five family restrooms have universal changing stations.
Strollers: Main concourse only, not near seats. Check them at Guest Relations (near sections 101 and 132).
In the Stands offers apparel for fans who enjoy visiting ballparks and stadiums. While we all have our favorite teams, there are times when they aren't the ones playing. Our goal is to create a sense of community and camaraderie whenever you see someone wearing In the Stands apparel.
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