Sporting KC: Full crowds return to Children’s Mercy Park starting with May 29 match

For the first time in over a year, Children’s Mercy Park will see a full-capacity crowd on May 29.

Sporting Kansas City announced Tuesday that it’ll welcome full crowds again starting with a May 29 game against the Houston Dynamo. It will be the first full-capacity crowd in Children’s Mercy Park since March 7, 2020, a game also played against the Dynamo.

Capacity for Sporting KC’s home game against the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 16 will remain limited to approximately 6,500 fans as COVID-19 restrictions slowly ease.

Sporting KC also announced plans on Tuesday to honor frontline healthcare workers for the Houston game by giving 1,000 free tickets to local medical professionals.

“We are excited to welcome all of our Season Ticket Members and passionate supporters back to Children’s Mercy Park and honor frontline workers who have sacrificed so much for the good of our community,” Sporting KC president and CEO Jake Reid said.

“Our transition to full capacity will be made in accordance with local health mandates and we encourage guests to continue wearing masks. We look forward to delivering the fan experience that makes Children’s Mercy Park so special.”

Children’s Mercy Park will continue to adhere to numerous health and safety protocols for the Houston game, and although mask-wearing will not be required, it will remain strongly recommended. The club will continue to use mobile entry and cashless payments, and hand-sanitizing dispensers will remain situated throughout the stadium.

The decision to provide tickets to local healthcare workers comes through Sporting KC and The Victory Project’s new initiative, “A Force For Good.” The initiative aims to serve the Kansas City community, including through the Sporting Community Kitchen, Soccer For All Kids and Sporting Wishes, which helps children who relapse or are diagnosed with secondary cancer.

Sporting will also offer a 30% discount on in-stadium merchandise purchases at a yet-to-be-decided home game in June.

This story was originally published May 11, 2021 at 2:55 PM with the headline "Sporting KC: Full crowds return to Children’s Mercy Park starting with May 29 match."