By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
KANSAS CITY, KAN. --- A year after the Major League Baseball All-Star Game was held in Kansas City, Mo., it's neighbor to the west could also see some healthy economic benefits from the 2013 Major League Soccer All-Star Game.
This afternoon, All-Star Week was kicked off in front of Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. A number of events will be held across the metro area to celebrate the game, which will be held at Sporting Park.
Along with the fun and games the event will bring, some significant economic benefits will land in the laps of KCK and the entire metro area.
Past MLS All-Star games have resulted in between $15-20 million in economic revenue.
"The game will show-case Kansas City's love for the game of soccer," said Steve Hahn, President of AT&T Kansas.
Unified Government Mayor/CEO Mark Holland said the soccer world will be concentrated on KCK and the metro area.
"The focus of the soccer world will be on our city," Holland said this afternoon.
Sporting Kansas City Technical Director and Manager Peter Vermes said the event will be a special one and will showcase Kansas City's connection to the sport of soccer, particularly KCK's soccer stadium.
"When I was playing, I was hoping I could have the ability to be part of something this special," Vermes said. "I'm amazed that Kansas City has the best soccer venue in the United States."
Along with Sporting Kansas City playing host to the game, Vermes will play a role.
He will coach the MLS All-Stars against AS Roma, one of the best teams in European soccer.
