Welcome to the kickoff edition of St. Louis CITY SCene, a fan’s guide to pro soccer in St. Louis. Each month, we’ll provide insights into the club’s inaugural season in Major League Soccer, including stories on the people who are bringing the world’s game to St. Louis and tips to maximize your fan experience. For this first edition, we recently caught up with Matt Sebek, CITY’s chief experience officer, to gain insights into how the club is building trust with local fans. Already, it's been a busy week for the club, after a surprise name change to the facility formerly known as Centene Stadium. We also share a few upcoming area soccer events, as well as ways that the St. Louligans are using soccer to fundraise for local causes. And in case you missed our earlier story, here are 50 things every St. Louis CITY SC fan should know.
I also want to add to the condolences shared after Monday’s tragic school shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in South City. It’s been a very challenging week across the region, reminding us how minor sports are in the big picture. And yet, to borrow a thought from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, sports may be "the most important of the least important things." They have the power to unite people from so many walks of life, to create the energy and emotion that bonds communities, and to provide a brief escape from harsh realities. Hopefully, you and your family are finding peace and solace in the midst of a difficult time.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter. If you do, spread the word by sending this link to friends. Do you have story ideas for a future newsletter? Shoot me an email. Until next time!
What to know
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The hosts of the Men In Blazers podcast are coming to The Pageant on November 21. Great Friends of the Pod are encouraged to join hosts Roger Bennett and Michael Davies as they welcome special guests to the stage to recap the United States’ World Cup opener against Wales. Tickets start at $30. 8 p.m. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar.
HOT SPOT
Mingle with members of the St. Louligans supporters group at 2nd Shift Brewing (1601 Sublette) this Saturday, October 29, at 7 p.m. for the annual Full Kit Wanker Halloween party. Don your favorite club’s kit, or hop into your best costume. The best dressed partygoers will receive prizes. The Louligans are also using the event to raise donations to benefit victims of Monday's shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School.
INSIDER TIP
CITY recently offered local stakeholders a chance to sample concession food from its initial restaurant partners, including Niche Food Group, Balkan Treat Box, BEAST Butcher & Block, and Steve’s Hot Dogs. Each of the featured items seemed to hit the right notes, though you can’t go wrong with traditional stadium fare. That’s why we predict that the CITY Dog from Steve’s Hot Dogs will be especially popular at the stadium in 2023. To learn more about the offerings, read our story.
Major League Soccer’s new expansion club, St. Louis CITY Soccer Club (SC), has chosen Washington University Orthopedics as the club’s official team physicians and BJC HealthCare as the team’s medical services provider. As part of this relationship, CITY SC’s new state-of-the-art training facility will be named the Washington University Orthopedics High Performance Center, and Robert Brophy, M.D.—sports medicine specialist and division chief—will be CITY’s new medical director. WashU Orthopedics has some of the nation’s very best orthopedic surgeons and physicians, and they are known for taking exceptional care of elite athletes. “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with CITY SC and BJC to make a meaningful impact on the health of CITY SC players and our community,” says Regis O’Keefe, M.D., Ph.D., head of WashU Orthopedics. “Together, we will work to protect the health of these outstanding athletes, their fans, and the neighbors of St. Louis and beyond.”
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ASK THE FANS
How are you measuring success for St. Louis CITY SC during its first season in Major League Soccer?
In each edition of the newsletter, we’ll pose a new question. This month, we want to know what will define a productive season for the club. Weigh in by replying to this email, and we’ll share your comments in the next installment.
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