GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to Host Sporting KC vs. Inter Miami, Lionel Messi
Shockwaves were recently sent through the Major League Soccer world when it was announced that Sporting Kansas City would host superstar Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF in a match on April 13. The local market is now set to feel that impact even more, as the home of the Kansas City Chiefs will become the temporary home of both football clubs later this year.
Per Monday announcements from Sporting KC and the Chiefs, the highly anticipated home match will be played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
This will mark yet another match in Sporting KC's history of 200-plus played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Sporting KC spent plenty of time inside the stadium from 1996-2007, returning in 2010 for a match against Manchester United. Per the Chiefs' release, this April match versus Miami is projected to shatter the all-time MLS record for attendance in Kansas City (currently standing at 32,867). Sporting KC President and CEO Jake Reid is excited about this recent development.
“This match has generated an unprecedented amount of interest since Major League Soccer released our schedule less than three weeks ago,” Reid said. “We believe this will be the biggest event in Kansas City this spring and we are proud to partner with Arrowhead Events to provide an incredible experience for our fans and our team. The opportunity to host this match, which is set to be Lionel Messi’s first MLS match in the Midwest, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is especially exciting as our region prepares to host Copa America matches this summer and FIFA World Cup matches in 2026."
The Sporting KC match against Miami serves as a positive step for soccer in Kansas City. With the NWSL's Kansas City Current responsible for constructing the first women's professional sports stadium in the world and the FIFA World Cup having matches hosted in town in 2026, football of all kinds will be appreciated. Bringing in one of the sports world's biggest names (Messi) is bound to generate a considerable amount of buzz.
Chiefs and Arrowhead Events President Mark Donovan, like Reid, can't wait for the match.
“The Arrowhead Events team is excited to open up GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to host our friends from Sporting KC for their match against Inter Miami CF this spring,” Donovan said. “The venue remains one of the top destinations and experiences for fans of all sports. The interest and demand for this match is extremely high, and we know that both clubs, their supporters, and viewers will enjoy experiencing this unique soccer match played at the home of the Chiefs.”
Tickets for Sporting KC's match against Miami, starting at $65, will go on sale on January 16 at noon CT and can be purchased via Ticketmaster. Sporting KC season ticket members have their tickets and parking included, with a pre-sale opportunity for those looking to purchase additional seats coming on January 10 at 10 a.m. CT. Chiefs season ticket holders and Jackson County residents will be able to take advantage of a pre-sale opening on the morning of January 16.
