University sponsors night with Sporting KC

Thousands of fans gathered at Children’s Mercy Park on Friday, Sept. 9 to cheer on Kansas City’s soccer team, Sporting KC, while celebrating Kansas City’s university, the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

It was the fourth year in a row that the university has hosted UMKC Night at Sporting, a night dedicated to UMKC where students, faculty and staff are able to purchase tickets at a discount and show off their UMKC pride while cheering on the home team.

This year’s UMKC Night included pre-game activities hosted by UMKC’s Athletics, Admissions and School of Pharmacy departments. Fans were able to learn more about UMKC programs and services and try a hand at winning small prizes. UMKC mascot Kasey the Kangaroo was on site, excited to mingle and interact with fans and other mascots as well.

The beginning of the game saw plenty of UMKC presence as Chancellor Leo Morton took the field with the Student Government Association President Navya Sane. Conservatory of Music and Dance vocalist Laurel Weir sang the Star Spangled Banner. Sporting games include plenty of pomp and circumstance, and Friday was no exception as fireworks blasted throughout the stadium.

At halftime, four UMKC students were selected to participate in a scoring game with Kasey. Placed in two teams, the students tried to score goals against Kasey as he guarded the net. Each player received a bag of UMKC gear for their participation.

UMKC Night at Sporting is a benefit of UMKC’s official Sporting KC sponsorship. To re-live the UMKC Night experience, check out the UMKC Night photo gallery.