September 22 – Thousands of soccer fans packed into Kansas City’s Power & Light District on Saturday, proving that for at least one day that Kansas isn’t exclusively Chiefs country as NBC Sports’ Premier League Fan Fest came to town.
With some fans arriving as early as 2 am to secure a spot, those of Liverpool persuasion were happy campers, celebrating a 2-1 Merseyside derby win over Everton in the early kick-off.
What made this event different from previous editions of the Fan Fest, however, was the mix of supporters from different clubs, an unheard-of situation given the tribalisation of English football.
Instead of one team dominating the crowd, supporters of all 20 Premier League clubs were sprinkled throughout. With four matches being played simultaneously, the district which is packed with bars and restaurants doubled as unofficial watch-party venues.
Jordan White, a Tottenham Hotspur fan from Lenexa, arrived at 6am with friends only to wait an hour in line before Spurs’ 9am kick-off. “I always knew Kansas City was a really big soccer town,” White said. “But seeing everybody from Omaha, Dallas, Denver, it’s clearly brought out a lot of people. I love the Premier League, and I love soccer. So, to be here and see how many other people feel the same way is just a really cool experience.”
NBC’s Rebecca Lowe, who hosts the network’s Premier League coverage, said the event builds community across fan bases. “All the people in this area, and a lot who travel, are going to get a chance to really have a party like they’ve never had before,” Lowe told The Star.
She added that gatherings like these help overseas supporters feel closer to their clubs adding, “It’s not easy to be a West Ham United fan in Kansas City. By coming here, they can really feel a part of it, get a sense of the history, the vibe of the club.”
John and Kaitlin Hinchey drove 15 hours to watch Wolves lose again with fellow supporters. “We’re part of a club that doesn’t have a massive following in the States,” Kaitlin said. “So, we get an opportunity to be around people who care about the same club that we do.”
With the 2026 World Cup coming to Kansas City, Fan Fest has given a potential taste of what’s to come. NBC’s Fan Fests have become increasingly popular, building on Fox Football Phone-In, who introduced the first Fan Fest’s beginning with Liverpool versus Chelsea in 2010.
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