Do you recognize the arch on the new Sporting KC jersey? What to know about the KCK landmark
Sporting KC’s new jersey flaunts a spot with one of the best views in Kansas City, but have you ever heard of it?
The Major League Soccer team revealed its secondary jersey, called a kit, for the 2022 season just in time for its opening game against Atlanta United on Sunday.
The kit is titled “State Line 3.0,” as one common thread — the Missouri and Kansas border — unites the team’s fanbase.
The jersey features designs paying homage to both sides of the state line, with both the 816 and 913 area codes, and an image of the shuttlecock seen on the lawn at the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum.
But unless you know KCK well, you may be wondering, what’s that arch behind the shuttlecock?
The Rosedale Arch, located near Rosedale Park in KCK, caught a lot of attention when the jersey revealed its inclusion, surprising fans, delighting some and informing others that it’s even a thing in the area.
WHAT DOES THE ARCH REPRESENT?
The Rosedale Arch is a memorial to soldiers who served the United States in World War I, and it stands 35 feet tall.
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris inspired the arch’s design.
Rosedale resident, architect and WWI soldier John Leroy Marshall designed the arch in 1923, and they completed building it in 1924. In 1993, a monument was added underneath to honor soldiers who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
The side of the arch that faces the city has an inscription, which reads:
“Erected by the people of Rosedale by the people of Rosedale in honor of its citizens who answered their country’s call and served under the arms for the trump of right over might in the World War.”
WHY IS IT ON THE KIT?
Chad Reynolds, the senior director of brand with Sporting KC, is in charge of creative and brand strategy for the team. He said that the team wanted the jersey to tell a story about the 816 and the 913 and wanted to include iconic architecture from KCMO and KCK.
The Wyandotte County native said he had a lot of informal conversations with KCK officials and community members about including the arch on the jersey.
“That direct tie to our local community has always meant something and it’s always been a big part of our brand,” Reynolds said.
As someone from “The ‘Dotte,” the arch means a lot to Reynolds and has always been a part of his Kansas City pride.
He said it’s one of the best views in the city, whether it’s in the spring when the trees are blooming or in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
He hopes that more people go out to see it.
WHERE CAN I SEE IT?
If the jersey piqued your interest in the arch, you can go visit it for free from sunrise to sunset at 3602 Springfield St. in Kansas City, Kansas.
There’s a highway sign on I-35 telling you there’s a war memorial nearby. Take the exit on Southwest Boulevard, drive up the road and turn into Mount Marty Park and you’re in the vicinity.
You can drive up to the arch, but you’ll have to do a little walking along the Rozarks nature trail before finding the 35-foot-tall sculpture at the top of the park. But, the views are worth it.
This story was originally published February 25, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
