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Sporting Kansas City partners with Populous to transform outdoor plaza into live events destination before 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Children’s Mercy Park, home to Sporting Kansas City, is set to undergo a massive transformation with the development of a 90,000-square-foot outdoor entertainment venue.
The project aims to bring live concerts, watch parties, and special events to the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, significantly enhancing the fan experience ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Led by World-Renowned Design Firm Populous
Sporting KC is once again collaborating with Populous, the same architectural firm that originally designed Children’s Mercy Park. Together, they will revamp 11 acres of entry space around the stadium to accommodate the new entertainment area.
The development includes:
- A new permanent stage and videoboard
- Renovations to entry gates and surrounding infrastructure
- A “Champions Walk” pedestrian entry path
- Electrical and lighting upgrades
- A redesigned plaza built for concerts, public events, and non-gameday activities
- Seating for up to 9,000 attendees at live performances
Project Planning and Permits Underway
Plans submitted to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas Planning Commission request a special use permit to allow for live entertainment on the upgraded grounds.
This permit would enable the venue to host a variety of events, from small concerts and community celebrations to high school graduations and World Cup watch parties.
Sporting KC Envisions a Multi-Use Community Space
Rob Thomson, spokesperson for Sporting Kansas City, emphasized the club’s dedication to enhancing the stadium for its fans.
“We’re excited to partner with Populous on this outdoor plaza project,” Thomson stated in an email. “It’s about creating an experience that goes beyond soccer—something that celebrates the city, the World Cup, and our fans.”
He added that groundbreaking is scheduled for mid-September 2025, with plans to unveil the new space by May 2026, just in time for Kansas City’s role in hosting FIFA World Cup events.
More Than Just Match Days
Children’s Mercy Park already serves as a hub for professional and amateur soccer games, and this expansion is designed to maximize the venue’s versatility.
Whether it’s pre- and post-game fan zones, live musical acts, or community gatherings, the upgraded plaza will be built to support year-round activity.
“Imagine a match day filled with energy—then staying after for a live show or joining a crowd to watch a World Cup game on the big screen,” Thomson explained. “We aim to elevate every touchpoint for our fans.”
Kansas City is gearing up for a world-class entertainment experience as Children’s Mercy Park evolves beyond sports.
With a 90,000-square-foot outdoor venue in the works and global events on the horizon, the new development is poised to become a major cultural and entertainment destination for residents and visitors alike.