Rodrock Development, Sporting KC form winning partnership

Talk about teaming up with a winner: Rodrock Development has partnered with Sporting Kansas City in an exciting three-year collaboration that perfectly aligns two family-focused, award-winning enterprises.

Formally announced at the Realtor Appreciation Breakfast on Jan. 29, the news was met with surprise and delight by area agents, builders and bankers. Robb Heineman, Sporting Club’s CEO and one of the team’s owners, took to the stage to share his excitement at the partnership and to remark that Sporting KC and Rodrock Development had much in common: Both strive to be the best in what they do and to give back to local families and children.

The 2015 season marks the club’s 20th year in Major League Soccer and promises to be filled with thrilling matches and endless entertainment for soccer fans. Now, Rodrock Development is honored to share in some of this adventure, all while raising awareness for the Darol Rodrock Foundation and providing much-needed support to area foster-care children.

“Rodrock Development is very excited to partner with such an outstanding group that promotes Kansas City in such a positive way,” said Brenda Sanders, president of Rodrock & Associates, Realtors. “We look forward to a lot of fun events, which will include our developments and The Darol Rodrock Foundation. The first home game for Sporting KC is March 8, and we will be in the stands rooting them on.”

“We, as an organization, are thrilled to forge this strategic alignment with a fellow homegrown Kansas City organization,” said Jamie Guin, vice president of Corporate Partnerships, for Sporting Kansas City. “We have a mutual respect for organizations that are striving to build better communities and making a difference in the lives of families, especially in the local market place, where our friends, family and fans work, live and play.

“Rodrock Development is an industry leader in the residential real estate development space and The Darol Rodrock Foundation is an inspiration to all, with its efforts from a philanthropic community engagement perspective around foster youth. We look forward to playing a part in providing memorable experiences in the lives of foster youth over the next few years of this partnership.”

Among the fantastic opportunities the sponsorship provides is the chance for Rodrock Development to host a one-day event at the stadium each year, with this year’s gathering to be held at Swope Soccer Village. Sporting KC has kindly allowed up to 500 guests some four hours at the stadium with access to the pitch, locker rooms and a chance for group photos.

But the fun doesn’t stop there: During a Title Night Game, hosted in conjunction with the Darol Rodrock Foundation, Rodrock himself will take the field at halftime to speak about the needs of area foster-care children. Rodrock Development has access to some 200 tickets, with guests sporting a chance to participate in a Skills Challenge on the field at half time.

Importantly, all game attendees will be encouraged to bring donations aiding area foster-care children. Soccer fans need only slip their contributions in special Donation Bins strategically placed in eight locations in the parking lot around the stadium. The bins will accept clothes, shoes, backpacks — little items that can make a big difference to kids in need.

Then there’s a “Day in the Life with Sporting KC,” where Rodrock Development’s hosted guests will visit the club’s official training facility, Swope Soccer Village, for a three-hour event, on-field access, behind-the-scenes tour of locker room, weight room and training areas, plus group photos with club players, autograph signings and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run drills and assist with on-field activities.

Throughout the year, there will be many additional opportunities for Rodrock Development and this championship team to partner up: Player appearances and autograph sessions, an interactive skills/drills session, a club scrimmage, and — incredibly — a VIP Practice Experience (complete with customized club replica apparel, an autograph and photo session, skills/drills session, and VIP tour).

This year looks to be an incredible one for Rodrock Development, the Darol Rodrock Foundation and Sporting Kansas City. This partnership is a natural extension of what these organizations deeply value. Sporting KC events are a fun outing for families of all shapes and sizes — and now this championship team and Rodrock Development have the immense opportunity to help those in need of families themselves.

For more information, visit Rodrock.com and SportingKC.com.

This story was originally published February 16, 2015 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Rodrock Development, Sporting KC form winning partnership."