CITY LEADERS REACT TO FIRST PRO INDOOR SOCCER GAME DOWNTOWN IN 10 YEARS

Kansas City, MO (January 12, 2022) – The Comets have begun preparation for their Saturday, January 22^nd regular season home game against the Tacoma Stars at T-Mobile Center, marking the second time that the Comets have played at Kansas City’s downtown arena. The Comets are off to a perfect 6-0 start to the 2021-22 Major Arena Soccer League season and sit comfortably atop the MASL’s Central Division.

During a visit with Comets players at T-Mobile Center on Wednesday afternoon, Kansas City Mayor, Quinton Lucas had this to say about the upcoming match: “I’m thrilled that professional indoor soccer is coming back to downtown Kansas City,” Lucas said. “I hope that everyone comes out and supports one of the most exciting sports around. Families, kids…it will be an amazing time.”

Kansas City, often called “the soccer capital of America,” recently entertained a delegation from FIFA as the final step in a multi-year bid process to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In North America, there are currently 22 cities (including Kansas City) bidding to secure World Cup games, of which 16 will be chosen. FIFA is expected to announce its selection by the end of the second quarter in 2022.

“Our region’s passion for soccer is exemplified not only by the strong attendance of professional and amateur sporting events, but also through thriving youth and recreational leagues,” says Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission. “As local organizations - like the KC Comets - continue to invest in soccer, there’s never been a better time to be a fan.”

The last time the Comets played at T-Mobile Center was back in 2012 when the team faced off against the Wichita Wings and had 9,000 fans in attendance. As was the case in 2012, the January 22^nd game coincides with the United Soccer Coaches Convention, which takes place up the street from the arena at Bartle Hall from January 19^th-23^rd. The convention is the largest gathering of soccer coaches and administrators in the world and is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees along with hundreds of exhibitors.

The Comets and the Major Arena Soccer League plan a celebration of soccer as the team and league will be commemorating the 40^th anniversary of the Comets’ arrival in Kansas City back in 1981. Festivities include an Indoor Soccer Symposium on Thursday from 4-5pm hosted by Fox4’s Nick Vasos at the Coaches Convention reflecting on the impact that the indoor game has had across the country over the years. Vasos’ guests will include MASL Chairman Shep Messing, MASL Commissioner, Keith Tozer and MASL Director of Communications, JP Dellacamera. 

Tickets for the Comets/Stars match at T-Mobile Center are on sale through T-MobileCenter.com. Groups of 10 or more can purchase discounted tickets by calling the Kansas City Comets at 888-9-COMETS. 

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For tickets and information call 888-9-COMETS (266387)