The excitement is palpable as Kansas City gears up to host the NWSL Championship on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the state-of-the-art CPKC Stadium. This season’s grand finale sees the Orlando Pride face off against the Washington Spirit, setting the stage for what many are calling the biggest event for women’s soccer to date. CPKC Stadium, which opened its doors earlier this year, is not just any venue; it’s the first stadium built exclusively for women’s soccer, which adds to the historic significance of the championship game.
Orlando Pride enters the match as the top seed after delivering strong performances throughout the season. The team boasts some brilliant players, including Brazilian superstar Marta, who is eager to secure her first NWSL Championship title. Marta’s leadership and experience will be pivotal for the Pride as they aim to overcome the Spirit, who finished just four points behind them in the regular season standings.
The Spirit have made waves this season, overcoming significant hurdles to reach the championship match. Their path to the final included dramatic playoff encounters, overcoming stiff competition from teams like Bay FC and NJ/NY Gotham FC. With young stars like Trinity Rodman and seasoned players such as Aubrey Kingsbury anchoring their roster, the Spirit are equipped to present formidable challenges to their rivals.
The match kicks off at 8 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action live on CBS and Paramount+. The reception for the match has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, highlighting the growing support for women’s soccer across the nation. Mayor Quinton Lucas reflected on the significance of this event for Kansas City, noting the city’s dedication to promoting women’s sports. “This feels like our Super Bowl,” Lucas remarked, emphasizing the community's excitement and investment.
CPKC Stadium itself embodies this spirit. Built for approximately $125 million, it is not only visually stunning but also functionally impressive, with intimate seating arrangements to bring fans close to the action—every seat is no more than 94 feet away from the touchline! The stadium has already sold out numerous events this season, showcasing the passion of local fans.
Post-match festivities and the broader game day experience have been thoughtfully planned, as Kansas City transforms to welcome soccer enthusiasts from around the country. Local coffee spots and eateries are buzzing with anticipation, preparing to offer fans the best of what Kansas City has to offer.
One notable local, Haley McCutcheon, plays for the Orlando Pride and is set to make the championship game especially meaningful as she hails from nearby Overland Park. “To be here and to be able to play in front of friends and family at this exclusive stadium is so exciting,” McCutcheon said, showing how personal this championship is for players from the region.
The inclusion of renowned singer Melissa Etheridge to perform the national anthem adds another layer of excitement to the event. Etheridge’s connection to Kansas City enhances the homecoming atmosphere, highlighting the strong cultural ties between the community and the sport.
Jessica Berman, the NWSL Commissioner, has expressed pride over the representation and visibility of women’s sports during this season: “With over two million fans attending games, we see real growth and excitement around the league,” she stated. Berman emphasized the importance of approaching women's sports as viable business ventures, rather than mere extensions of charity efforts.
Both teams bring their A-game to the field this Saturday, marking the 2024 NWSL Championship as more than just another match. It’s about showcasing the incredible talent within the league, it’s about inspiring the next generation of female athletes, and it’s about proving the worth of women’s sports on the grandest stage. The whole city is behind these athletes, eager to witness history be made as the championship trophy will be lifted high above the winning team.
