What you need to know about Children's Mercy Park

Children's Mercy Park is the home stadium of Sporting Kansas City, the Major League Soccer team that plays in Kansas City, Kansas. The stadium opened in 2011 and holds approximately 18,500 people. It sits in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood, about 10 miles southwest of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, on the Kansas side of the state line.

The stadium was originally called Livestrong Sporting Park when it first opened, then became Sporting Park, and was renamed Children's Mercy Park in 2017 after the children's hospital purchased the naming rights. The facility is owned by Sporting Kansas City and operated by the team.

Key Takeaways

  • Children's Mercy Park opened in 2011 and is located in Strawberry Hill, Kansas, about 10 miles from downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
  • The stadium holds roughly 18,500 spectators and is designed specifically for soccer, unlike many MLS stadiums that share space with other sports.
  • The venue has hosted U.S. national team matches, international friendlies, and the MLS Cup, making it one of the more prominent soccer-specific stadiums in the league.
  • Parking is available on-site, and the stadium is accessible by car from both Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri.

Stadium location and how to get there

Children's Mercy Park is located at 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, Kansas 66111. If you are driving from Kansas City, Missouri, you will cross into Kansas and head southwest. The stadium sits near Interstate 435 and is accessible from multiple routes depending on where you are coming from.

Parking is available in lots surrounding the stadium on match days. The venue does not have direct public transit connections like some larger urban stadiums, so most visitors arrive by car. If you are traveling from out of state, Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is about 30 miles north of the stadium.

What the stadium looks like and what it offers

Children's Mercy Park was built as a soccer-specific stadium, meaning it was designed for soccer from the ground up rather than adapted from another sport. The field is natural grass, and the seating bowl is arranged close to the pitch, which creates a more intimate atmosphere than larger multipurpose venues.

The stadium includes club seating areas, suites, and general admission sections. Concessions are available throughout the venue, and the facility has standard amenities like restrooms and first aid stations. The stadium also has a video board and sound system for broadcasts and announcements during matches.

Events held at Children's Mercy Park beyond regular season matches

Sporting Kansas City plays regular season MLS matches at the stadium from March through October, with additional playoff matches if the team advances. Beyond regular season play, the venue has hosted the U.S. Men's National Team and U.S. Women's National Team for international friendlies and may have access to matches.

The stadium has also hosted the MLS Cup, the league championship match, as well as other special events. The venue occasionally hosts concerts and other sporting events, though soccer remains its primary use. Check the official Sporting Kansas City website or the stadium's event calendar for the current schedule.

Ticket information and attendance

Tickets for Sporting Kansas City matches are sold through the team's official website and through Ticketmaster. Prices vary depending on the opponent, the day of the week, and the time of year. Regular season matches typically range from lower-priced tickets in upper corners to premium seating behind the goal or along the sideline.

The stadium regularly draws crowds of 10,000 to 18,000 people depending on the match. Playoff matches and matches against rival teams tend to draw larger crowds. Season ticket holders make up a significant portion of attendance, so single-game tickets may be more limited during popular matches.

Stadium rules and what to bring

Children's Mercy Park has standard venue policies for bags, outside food and drink, and prohibited items. Most stadiums do not allow large bags, weapons, or outside alcohol. You are typically allowed to bring a small bag or backpack, and some venues allow outside food but not outside beverages.

Check the Sporting Kansas City website before you attend for the current bag policy and list of prohibited items, as these rules can change. Arrive early on match day to allow time for parking and entry, especially for popular matches. The stadium typically opens gates 90 minutes before kickoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tour Children's Mercy Park when there is no match?

Stadium tours are sometimes offered during the offseason or on non-match days, but availability varies. Contact Sporting Kansas City directly through their website or call their main office to ask about tour scheduling and pricing. Tours are not always available, so confirm before making the trip.

Is Children's Mercy Park accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the stadium has accessible seating, parking, and restroom facilities. If you need accessible seating or have specific accessibility questions, contact Sporting Kansas City's ticket office before you purchase. They can direct you to the right sections and explain what accommodations are available.

What is the difference between Children's Mercy Park and other MLS stadiums?

Children's Mercy Park is a soccer-specific stadium, which means it was built only for soccer rather than shared with football or baseball. This allows for a tighter seating bowl and better sightlines. Many other MLS teams play in multipurpose stadiums or shared facilities, so the design and atmosphere differ.

Can I bring my children to matches at Children's Mercy Park?

Yes, children are welcome at matches. The stadium is family-friendly, and many families attend regular season games. Some matches may have special family promotions or discounted children's tickets. Check the Sporting Kansas City website for family-focused match days and pricing.

How far is Children's Mercy Park from downtown Kansas City?

The stadium is approximately 10 miles from downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Driving time is typically 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. The stadium is in Kansas, so you will cross the state line if you are coming from the Missouri side.