For The Love of the Game

Professional sports in Kansas have a celebrated history, fostering a vibrant sports culture that resonates with fans throughout the state. The Kansas City metropolitan area is home to three prominent professional teams and a NASCAR racetrack, each commanding a dedicated and passionate fan base. On the racetrack, NASCAR’s Kansas Speedway hosts several high-profile events each year. The 1.5-mile tri-oval track attracts thousands of racing enthusiasts from across the country to witness exhilarating races in the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Camping World Truck Series.

Soccer fans will love Sporting Kansas City, which delivers non-stop action at Children’s Mercy Park. As one of the founding Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, Sporting brought the international game to Kansas and the United States, earning Kansas City the title, “Soccer Capital of America.” And, with three US Open Cup Championships (2004, 2012, 2015) and two MLS Cup trophies (2000, 2013), our city not only deserves the title but wears it with pride.

Meanwhile, just across the border of Missouri, the Kansas City Chiefs are a powerhouse in the National Football League (NFL) with a legacy of success, including multiple division championships and a Super Bowl victory in 2020 and 2023. Their electrifying games at Arrowhead Stadium draw fans from far and wide, creating an unmatched atmosphere of excitement and unity, while on the baseball diamond, the Kansas City Royals have etched their mark in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, with two World Series titles and a devoted fan following.

College sports in Kansas are deeply ingrained in the state’s cultural fabric. With several prestigious universities and colleges, Kansas schools boast a rich history of athletic achievements and fierce rivalries. The University of Kansas (KU) Jayhawks and the Kansas State University (K-State) Wildcats are at the forefront of the college sports scene, particularly in basketball. The Jayhawks, one of the most successful programs in NCAA history, have a dedicated and passionate fan base that fills the Allen Fieldhouse, creating an electric atmosphere that is second to none. The Wildcats, too, have a strong basketball tradition, with their own loyal following and a desire to prove themselves in the intensely competitive Big 12 Conference. Beyond basketball, these universities excel in football, baseball and volleyball, attracting top-tier athletes and producing standout performers.

Rivalry games, such as the Sunflower Showdown between KU and K-State or the “Border War” between KU and the University of Missouri, generate intense passion and bring our communities together in a shared celebration of athleticism and school pride.

Schools like Wichita State University (Shockers), Emporia State University (Hornets) and Fort Hays State University (Tigers), among others, also have their own share of athletic successes and devoted supporters across the state. Shockers Bowling, for example, is the most accomplished collegiate bowling program in the nation, with a record 22 men’s and women’s national titles.

These minor league teams not only enrich the state’s sports culture but also contribute to the overall development of its athletes, inspiring the next generation of Kansas sports stars.

In Kansas, minor league games are major fun for the whole family. From baseball to soccer and beyond, these teams provide high-quality entertainment at an affordable price. In Wichita, the minor league baseball team, the Wichita Wind Surge, has quickly become a beloved fixture in the community. Affiliated with the Minnesota Twins, the Wind Surge draws enthusiastic crowds to their games at Riverfront Stadium. In Kansas City, the Monarchs, an American Association of Professional Baseball team, have united and inspired new generations of baseball fans for over 100 years. Founded in 1920, this team was one of the Negro Leagues’ most successful baseball clubs and has been the home base for greats like Cool Papa Bell and Jackie Robinson. Also in Kansas City, Sporting Kansas City II provides an outlet for the city’s soccer fans to support the sport on a more intimate level.

These minor league teams not only enrich the state’s sports culture but also contribute to the overall development of its athletes, inspiring the next generation of Kansas sports stars.

Dust off your cowboy hat and saddle up to celebrate Kansas’ rich and wild Western heritage. Each year, rodeos are held in almost every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. Rodeo enthusiasts and spectators alike gather at various events throughout the state to witness the thrilling displays of horsemanship, bull riding, roping, and barrel racing. From small towns to larger cities, rodeos in Kansas showcase the grit and determination of both professional and amateur riders, who proudly compete for fame, glory and impressive cash prizes. The rodeo atmosphere is electric, filled with the sounds of cheering crowds, the smell of fresh hay and the excitement of adrenaline-pumping rides. Rodeos in Kansas are more than just sporting events; they’re an expression of our state’s proud agricultural and cowboy traditions, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie that transcends generations. Whether you’re a seasoned rodeo veteran or experiencing your first event, the spirit of the Wild West comes alive in Kansas.