Membership Benefits

Ever since the rebranding announcement, Sporting KC fans have been waiting to hear the benefits that would be given to the members. Tonight we got more insight from Robb Heineman in a letter to "Members." Heineman breaks down some of the benefits that members can look forward to this season. First, if you're a season ticket holder, you're already a member, if you're planning to sign up for any of the road trips you're going to be a member, and there will also be the ability to sign up to be a member separately closer to the time the stadium will open. Here's a look at the benefits.

• The first tangible benefit membership will offer is the opportunity for complimentary tickets to road matches. Initially, we’ll buy 50 per match with the hopes of there being a much higher demand – it would be great if we had that many members interested in traveling to support our club. Due to close proximity, as well as the strong desire to provide as much support for the team as possible during the season-opening road trip, we are purchasing up to 300 tickets for the Chicago Fire match on March 26.

This one we've heard since the rebranding announcement and has been one of excitement of fans. I know I'm taking advantage of at least two of these for the Chivas USA game and the Chicago game, potentially more later in the season as well. The 50 tickets per match are likely to be more than necessary for most of the away games, but it's certainly possible for a few that the team will fill, especially the Chicago game, which will at least hit 50, and probably quite a few more. It's still one of the coolest things I've seen a team do and they're backing it up by putting the up the first two road trip forms up.

• When Sporting Park opens, members will have the opportunity to check-in and receive complimentary access to the Members’ Section of the stadium for three (3) Sporting Kansas City matches per season. Season ticket holders in this section will receive additional complimentary vouchers to bring family or friends.

So if you're a season ticket holder and were concerned about seeing the member's club and what is in there, you'll get 3 opportunities to come check it out. And if you're already a member's stand season ticket holder you'll get vouchers to bring fans and family in. So if you're wanting to get into the section make friends with a members stand season ticket holder.

• Members may access the Sporting Park mobile app which will provide information and services for Sporting Club events.

Looking forward to more information on this app and what will be involved in it.

• The overall experience at Sporting Park will be greatly enhanced by the membership program. For example, we will be able to remember your concession preferences and provide ordering through the mobile app. Affinity points will be redeemable for discounts at the stadium, and members will have the ability to actively participate and share their own content with other fans at the stadium.

More technological pieces in the new stadium, so at the stadium after I've bought a few beers from the stadium the next time they'll have it ready for me. Ok, maybe not that far, but it still sounds like a cool idea that will be interesting to see how they pull it off.

• Members will have the opportunity to purchase Sporting Passes for kids under the age of 18. A Sporting Pass is $59.99 and provides entry to three matches in the South Stand (which may be chosen online in-advance), as well as access to any other matches on a complimentary basis in which there is availability in that section. Additionally, the Sporting Pass provides special offers on merchandise, discounted tickets purchased for family members and a commemorative credential to access Sporting Park.

This is a cool idea for members with kids that want to bring them to games. Three games in the south stand, plus access to other matches if it's available. I do wonder how they're going to do this. Are they going to announce that this could be a complementary game a day or two before? Or is this something that will be a day of thing depending on ticket sales? Certainly some questions on this and I'm sure it's been left a little vague at this time as the team does have some time to finalize this. But if they want to start selling these passes they really need to nail down the details of it before people start spending money on it.

• Members will have access to exclusive Sporting Kansas City content, as well as invitations to members-only ticket presales for concerts and special events at Sporting Park.

Depending on the events and concerts this will be cool, but most of the concerts I'd go to see aren't really going to play in a 25,000 seat venue, but the fact that this will be available to me is cool. The ability to get tickets to other special events will likely mean other sporting events, festivals or other things at the stadium.

• The Membership Activation Lounge or “MAL” will allow you to purchase goods and services from our partners at discounts up to 80% off retail. By taking advantage of these offers, you will then have the opportunity to unlock new benefits and affinity rewards.

This is very cool, and would be something I'd really be looking into using in the coming years. I always try to support sponsors and partners of the team, and to be reimbursed in a way for this is a great way to support your fans.

• Members may also purchase single-game tickets at a discount.

Another one that we've heard already, but still great to see it in writing from the team.

There is still plenty left to build on this and there are still some questions in the process that need to be answered. But it's another step in the right direction for the team, I know there were a lot of people that were starting to throw out questions on where this information was as we were told it'd come out around the time the schedule did. I look forward to seeing more of the specifics on each of these and how they develop and change over the years.