Sporting Kansas City took center stage Tuesday at Children's Mercy Park, hosting its annual Media Day as Manager Peter Vermes and President and CEO Jake Reid joined players for a series of hits with local media.
As part of the occasion, Sports Radio 810 personalities Jason Anderson and Cory Anderson broadcasted The Zone live from the newly modernized Wise Power Shield Club inside Children's Mercy Park. Their four hours of coverage included discussions with Vermes, Reid and Sporting Kansas City defender Graham Zusi, who on Saturday night helped his team to a season-opening 3-1 road victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
With a momentous away win in the books, Zusi and Sporting are now in full preparation mode for this Saturday's highly anticipated and long-awaited home opener against rivals Houston Dynamo at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets for the contest are available at SeatGeek.com and the first 10,000 fans through the stadium gates will receive a free rally towel courtesy of match sponsor UMB Bank.
Zusi's colorful conversation with Jason and Cory revolved around the excitement of Saturday's curtain raiser on home turf, fellow teammate Daniel Salloi's upcoming appearance on "The Bachelor Live on Stage" and the now-famous gif of Vermes articulating a certain two-word combination on the sideline during the Vancouver match.
As for Vermes, he reflected on the strong debut showings from Mexican striker Alan Pulido and Israeli midfielder Gadi Kinda—both of whom scored against the Whitecaps—while also articulating the importance of balancing a focus on homegrown player development with the increasing importance of investing in high-caliber players from abroad.
Reid, meanwhile, gave a comprehensive preview of the various enhancements and upgrades that supporters can expect when they arrive to Children's Mercy Park on Saturday. Among them are new concession partnerships with local favorites like BRGR, Taco Republic and American Royal Barbecue, plus expanded beverage options with J. Rieger & Co. and Parisi Coffee now onboard. The President and CEO also shared his thoughts on what it takes to build a winning organization both on and off the pitch.
Catch all three interviews in the space below.
Sporting Kansas City Defender Graham Zusi
Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes
Sporting Kansas City President & CEO Jake Reid
