Saturday just might be the biggest day of Sporting Kansas City’s 2021 season thus far.
On the Children’s Mercy Park pitch, second-place Sporting (11-4-6, 39 points) and the third-place Colorado Rapids (11-4-4, 37 points) will lock horns in a pivotal Western Conference clash that could go a long way in shaping the playoff picture.
In the stands, meanwhile, supporters will be invited to participate in a Retro Night celebration like none other. From throwback gear and live music to post-match partying and drink specials, this article is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about Retro Night.
But before we dive in, take note that tickets for Saturday’s match are available at SeatGeek.com while supplies last. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. CT, featuring two of the hottest teams in the league in a simmering, late-summer showdown.
Retro Merchandise
At the forefront of Retro Night, SportingStyle is treating fans to a variety of throwback merchandise featuring the vintage Wiz logo and rainbow look that Kansas City’s MLS team boasted throughout the late 1990s.
Supporters in attendance will have the opportunity to visit each SportingStyle location to shop several glorious items, including the entire Since ’96 Retro Collection designed by Mitchell & Ness. The limited-edition series consists of a retro KC Wiz jersey, T-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, jacket and headwear. Furthermore, SportingStyle will launch an additional set of new Retro items including a T-shirt, a hoodie and a flag—each donning the signature Wiz and rainbow elements.
All Retro items will be available Saturday while supplies last, but ticket holders can secure their merchandise today by placing mobile orders via SportingStyle.com and picking up their gear at Children’s Mercy Park on matchday.
As an added perk, all fans who make purchases via mobile ordering will receive a complimentary KC Wiz slap bracelet with their order.
Pre-Match Festivities
For starters, the first 10,000 fans in attendance on Saturday will receive a free vintage poster courtesy of match sponsor Children's Mercy. Upon arrival, fans can also stop by The Photo Bus Kansas City on the Mazuma Plaza for free group photos in both digital and printed forms.
The Retro theme will be further amplified with throwback digital graphics on the stadium videoboards. The Crossroads Sound, a local band, will perform classic 90s cover songs from 6:30 to 6:55 p.m. CT at the northeast corner of the stadium bowl near the Budweiser Brew House.
Post-Match Party
When the Sporting match ends on Saturday night, the celebration will only kick up a gear. All ticket holders regardless of seat location are invited to attend a post-match party inside the Budweiser Brew House from 10 to 11:30 p.m. CT, with the Crossroads Sound continuing their 90s set list and tons of 90s candy—Pop Rocks, Pixy Stix, Warheads and Ring Pops—to sweeten the occasion.
Even better? Regardless of Saturday’s result on the field, fans over 21 who attend the post-match party can enjoy the famous Victory Beer Special of $3 Argyle Amber Ales from the end of the game until 11:30 p.m.
History Lesson
It’s only appropriate that Sporting Kansas City’s Retro Night in 2021 comes 25 years after the club’s inaugural match against Colorado. On April 13, 1996, forward Vitalis “Digital” Takawira scored twice to spark a 3-0 victory for the Kansas City Wiz with 21,141 fans in attendance.
Sporting and Colorado have squared off 83 times in all competitions over the last quarter century, making the Rapids the most frequent opponent in Kansas City history. In 33 regular season home matches against Colorado, Sporting are 22-6-5 with 71 goals scored and 34 conceded.
