UMKC community spends great night out at Children’s Mercy Park
As Armando Contreras’ voice swelled to a finish of the Star-Spangled Banner, fireworks sparked and the crowd cheered. Contreras is a UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance student, who helped kick off the UMKC night at Sporting KC on Sept. 30.
For the sixth year in a row, UMKC students, alumni and friends filled the stands alongside almost 19,000 fans. The partnership between Sporting KC and UMKC has been a natural fit for both organizations. They both represent a valued, positive force in the Kansas City community. Sporting and Real Salt Lake finished the game tied 1-1. The tie didn’t guarantee a spot in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs, but it inched the team closer to the postseason.
Before the game, the UMKC Athletics and Admissions departments entertained soccer and University fans with games, giveaways and a raffle to win courtside seats to a men or women’s basketball game of the winner’s choosing. The Admissions ambassadors fielded questions from prospective students and parents, and students shared their own experiences at UMKC. Fans also snapped photos with UMKC mascot Kasey Roo and Blue, the Sporting KC mascot.
In addition to Contreras singing the national anthem, the UMKC Color Guard performed, and Chancellor C. Mauli Agrawal and Student Government Association President Abdul Baba Ahmed were on the field for the coin toss.
UMKC provided the halftime entertainment. Kasey and Blue guarded the net as two UMKC students tried to score goals. Each participant received a swag bag of UMKC and Sporting KC gear for taking part in the game.