Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship Game approaches, featuring the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit. This much-anticipated match has sparked conversations around fan engagement and attendance, particularly after the Kansas City Current, the local team, missed the opportunity to compete for the title.
On the day before the game, ticket prices had plummeted, highlighting a growing concern about attendance. Reports indicated resale tickets on platforms like Seat Geek were going for as little as $34, raising eyebrows about whether local support would translate to bums on seats. “Maybe they bought them because they wanted to see the Current, and now they’re offloading their tickets,” speculated Jason Durbin, Senior Vice President of Ticket Operations at Tickets For Less, when questioned about the drastic price drops.
While the Current’s exit from the NWSL Championship might have dampened morale, local fans are holding out hope. Emily Taylor, a die-hard fan, expressed her determination to attend, stating, “People are like, ‘Oh I just hope people still go.’ I’ve seen a lot of resale tickets. I mean, I hope it’s full. I think it will be. I don’t want it to be embarrassing for our city.” This sentiment underlines the communal hope tethered to the event, as many fans still prioritize the camaraderie of being together through their shared passion for soccer.
Angie Long, founder of the KC Current, weighed in on the empty seats concern. She highlighted, “This is the championship, right? I mean, people go to the Super Bowl if their team’s not in it. Obviously, we’re sad our team’s not in it. We really would have wanted to see them play.” Long’s confidence speaks to Kansas City’s reputation as a vibrant soccer town and its history of community support for the sport.
Despite the initial worries surrounding attendance, the match is officially sold out, though questions remain about utilization of those tickets. The game kicks off at 7 p.m., and local businesses, such as The Dub, are eager to capitalize on this momentous occasion. Slated to open downtown next March, The Dub is positioning itself as a women's sports bar and will be hosting pop-up events to engage fans leading up to the championship.
“It’s the culmination of what brought The Dub to life in many ways,” said Monica Brady, owner and co-founder, emphasizing the connection between her establishment and the rise of women’s sports. “I’ve had the dream for a long time to somehow combine sports and celebrating women.” This proactive approach showcases how local businesses are not only promoting engagement but also embracing the cultural shift seen within sports, where women’s achievements are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
The movements at such venues help contribute to the growing movement for women’s soccer and sports as they echo larger cultural changes. Fans are rallying together, showcasing their passion and support for women athletes, making the NWSL Championship not just another game, but rather, a celebration of progress.
With the city of Kansas City at the core of this excitement, it’s clear the NWSL Championship is about more than just the soccer match itself; it symbolizes the collective push toward greater visibility and investment in women’s sports. While attendance predictions vary, the community’s passion remains unwavering.
The energy leading up to the championship showcases how fans are rallying together, indicating potential for future growth as they look beyond the immediate outcome of this one match. Whether or not the stadium is filled to capacity, the roar of women’s soccer is louder than ever, riding high on the momentum built by the fans, players, and community engagements.
Indeed, the magic of sports lies not solely within the games themselves, but also within the stories, connections, and the community support they inspire. The NWSL Championship serves as both a finale for the season and as the beginning of something bigger for women’s soccer.
Regardless of the game’s outcome, one thing is clear: Kansas City is excited, engaged, and ready to demonstrate its unwavering support for women’s soccer, making it clear to everyone watching—this is just the beginning.
