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MLS Sporting Kansas City

Sporting KC Teams up with Huhtamaki

March 3, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release


Sporting Kansas City announced today a new five-year partnership with global packaging leader Huhtamaki as the club's official sustainable packaging provider.

A leading supplier of sustainable packaging solutions for billions of consumers around the world with a global network of manufacturing and sales units, Huhtamaki's North American operations are based in De Soto, Kan. The company's first sports partnership in North America features naming rights to the Huhtamaki Shield Club at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan., and community impact initiatives for the region through support of Sporting Sustainability and The Victory Project.

"We couldn't be more excited to partner with Huhtamaki, an organization with a longstanding reputation of excellence in sustainable food packaging," said Sporting Kansas City Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Jon Moses. "We're thrilled to work closely with a global leader in Huhtamaki and a world-class stadium in Children's Mercy Park on an issue that matters so much to Sporting Kansas City. Together we will achieve a more sustainable future."

"We share the same vision to create a sustainable guest experience with our innovative culinary approach and our overall stadium food and beverage initiatives," said Sporting Kansas City Vice President of Hospitality Marc Mulherin. "Offering an elevated food and beverage experience that focuses on environmental and sustainability efforts will be a continued approach for the 2023 season and beyond."

"We applaud the sustainability efforts of Sporting KC and are excited to work toward zero waste at Children's Mercy Park. Working alongside Sporting Kansas City, we will demonstrate the circularity of packaging that is designed to protect food, people and the planet," said Ann O'Hara, President of Huhtamaki North America.

"Packaging sustainability starts with the end in mind. At Huhtamaki, we are innovating all our packaging to be recyclable or compostable. Our packaging ensures food is delivered safely and conveniently to consumers and then can be recycled and composted to protect our planet," said Michael Hodges, Vice President of Sustainability and Communications at Huhtamaki.

The partnership between Sporting Kansas City and Huhtamaki is centered on a shared commitment to championing a legacy of sustainability. Together, the companies will strive to further reduce the environmental footprint of stadium operations at Children's Mercy Park by integrating Huhtamaki's innovative products, with the goal of limiting waste by moving towards compostable and recyclable products in all premium spaces.

In addition, Sporting Kansas City will aim to introduce composting depositories at other area soccer facilities operated by the club - including Central Bank Sporting Complex, Compass Minerals National Performance Center, Compass Minerals Sporting Fields and Swope Soccer Village - while also establishing strategic messaging campaigns to increase awareness of compostable practices.

With 100 years of history, Huhtamaki operates in 37 countries and is a participant in the UN Global Compact. The company delivers smart next generation packaging and specialized sustainable solutions to protect on-the-go and on-the-shelf food and beverages, to ensure hygiene and safety, drive accessibility and affordability, and help prevent food waste.

The Huhtamaki Shield Club is a premium indoor destination designed for guests to enjoy an authentic Kansas City experience inside a climate-controlled lounge featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with a midfield view of the pitch. The 5,920-square-foot-space is highlighted by the installation of an eye-catching living wall made from dormant moss and the area is complete with local cuisine, multiple bars, a SportingStyle team store, an outdoor patio and 13 HDTV screens. Located on the west side of Children's Mercy Park at concourse level, the Huhtamaki Shield Club is accessible via private entrances from the Mazuma Plaza or UMB Premium Entry for ticket holders in sections 106-108 as well as fans with tickets to the UMB Field Club, Executive Level or Audi Sport Club.

Led by Manager Peter Vermes and captain Johnny Russell, Sporting Kansas City's home schedule begins on March 11 against the LA Galaxy at Children's Mercy Park. Season tickets are available by calling 888-4KC-GOAL or by visiting SportingKC.com. Additional ticket packages and promotions are available, as well as single-match tickets for the club's first eight regular season home matches.

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