Sporting Kansas City will hold its 20th Anniversary Night on April 13 when the Colorado Rapids visit Children’s Mercy Park for an MLS regular season match at 7:30 p.m.
The occasion will commemorate Sporting Kansas City’s inaugural game, a 3-0 win against Colorado at Arrowhead Stadium on April 13, 1996.
Supporters attending 20th Anniversary Night will be treated to a special throwback experience, as Sporting Kansas City players will wear retro training kits during pregame and feature rainbow-colored numbering on their white argyle game jerseys – as homage to the Kansas City Wiz’s original uniforms.
Ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early for the midweek clash between MLS charter members. The first 10,000 fans through the gates will receive a complimentary Sporting KC retro jersey koozie, and Legends Hospitality will offer discounted concession pricing on hamburgers, hot dogs, soda and beer until 7 p.m.
Prior to kickoff, Sporting Kansas City will honor 20-year season ticket members and club employees, while supporters in the Members Stand will unveil a tifo (a fan display) paying tribute to the team’s 20-year history.
Children’s Mercy Park will amplify the throwback theme with video boards showcasing retro graphics throughout the match and 1996 music playing on the sound system during pregame warm-ups and lineup introductions. Former Kansas City players will be in attendance and Dynamo the Dragon will return to the sidelines as the club’s mascot.
At halftime, Sporting Kansas City will reveal the club’s 20th Anniversary Best XI. Fan voting at SportingKC.com will determine Sporting KC’s all-time best lineup, made up of one goalkeeper, three defenders, five midfielders and two forwards. Visit SportingKC.com/20years for information leading up to 20th Anniversary Night, including the original television broadcast of Kansas City’s inaugural game in 1996 – which will be available starting Monday – and a countdown of the top 20 moments in club history.
Ahead of the match, supporters are also encouraged to download the free Sporting KC Uphoria mobile app. Users will have access to retro-themed overlays on MySKC Cam, a camera within the app that allows fans to capture their favorite match day photos, add filters and instantly share photos to social media and the Children’s Mercy Park video board.
Before the Colorado match on April 13, Sporting Kansas City will travel to visit defending Supporters’ Shield champion New York Red Bulls on Saturday. The match will kick off at 6 p.m. on KMCI-TV, Channel 38, SKCTV, Sports Radio 810 WHB and La Grande 1340 AM.
A limited number of tickets for the match are available via Ticketmaster.com, including South Stand GA tickets for $19.96. Fans can secure their tickets in the South Stand using the promo code ‘WIZ1996’ at checkout.
– Story from Sporting KC