Game Day & Beyond: Your North Kansas City Adventure Awaits Near CPKC Stadium
CPKC Stadium: A New Era for Women's Sports
CPKC Stadium, a groundbreaking venue that opened its doors on March 16, 2024, is more than just a soccer stadium; it's a testament to progress and a beacon for women's professional sports. As the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a women's professional sports team, it sets a new standard. This state-of-the-art facility, with a seating capacity of 11,500, is the proud home of the Kansas City Current of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Located at Berkley Riverfront Park in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, the stadium offers breathtaking views of both the majestic Missouri River and the city skyline—a perfect backdrop for a thrilling game.
Beyond its athletic prowess, CPKC Stadium embodies a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. It proudly stands as the first LEED Gold Certified Stadium in Missouri, showcasing a dedication to environmental responsibility. Furthermore, it prioritizes accessibility for all fans, featuring a sensory room, universal changing rooms, nursing stations, and gender-inclusive bathrooms. The culinary experience within the stadium itself is a celebration of local flavors, highlighting a diverse array of Kansas City food and drink partners, ensuring every visit is a true taste of the region.
CPKC Stadium is listed as a potential training site for teams during the 2026 World Cup. Matches will be held at Arrowhead Stadium (going by the moniker of Kansas City Stadium during the World Cup). The schedule includes four (4) group stage matches, one round of thirty two (32) match and one (1) quarter final match.
North Kansas City: "Virtually Urban, Supremely Suburban"
While CPKC Stadium offers an unparalleled game-day experience, a mere stone's throw away lies North Kansas City, a vibrant and unique municipality that perfectly complements a visit to the stadium. Often affectionately referred to as "Northtown" or "NKC," this independent city offers a fascinating blend of urban amenities and a charming, small-town atmosphere. Though largely enclaved by its larger neighbor, Kansas City, Missouri, NKC maintains its own distinct identity and municipal government.
What truly sets North Kansas City apart is its "Virtually Urban, Supremely Suburban" character. This tagline perfectly encapsulates its appeal: a close-knit community feel with independent spirit, yet mere minutes from the bustling downtown of Kansas City, Missouri, via four convenient highway bridges. The downtown area of North Kansas City itself is experiencing a renaissance, bursting with local businesses, a thriving craft beer and distillery scene, an eclectic mix of restaurants, and unique specialty shops that invite exploration.
Where Flavor Meets Fandom: Discovering Chappell's in North Kansas City
If you're exploring North Kansas City, a must-visit spot is Chappell's Restaurant and Sports Museum, an iconic establishment that perfectly blends delicious upscale casual dining with an astounding collection of sports memorabilia. Opened in 1986, Chappell's has evolved into a true museum, boasting over 10,000 items from nearly a century of sports history, including countless helmets, autographed jerseys, and even a World Series trophy, making it a dream destination for any sports fan. While the vast collection draws visitors from across the globe, it's the quality food – from renowned burgers and tenderloins to classic American fare – that keeps people coming back, offering a unique and memorable experience in "Northtown."
Christine's Firehouse: Home of North KC's Legendary Tenderloin
For a taste of authentic North Kansas City flavor and a legendary dish, look no further than Christine's Firehouse on Swift Street. This beloved local spot, often described as a cozy dive bar, has earned widespread acclaim for its truly massive and utterly delicious pork tenderloin sandwich. Made fresh daily from scratch, hand-breaded, and fried to crispy, golden perfection, this tenderloin is so generously sized that it's frequently noted as being big enough to share, or even enjoy as two meals! Beyond the famous tenderloin, Christine's Firehouse offers a welcoming atmosphere filled with fire department memorabilia, live music on select nights, and a menu of hearty American fare, making it a true Northtown institution.
Where Whimsy Springs to Life: The Children's Fountain
A truly magnificent landmark located in Kansas City, Missouri, at the junction of North Oak Trafficway and E 32nd Ave, which is in the "Northland" area of Kansas City, but not technically within the independent municipality of North Kansas City, MO itself is the “Children’s Fountain”. Dedicated in 1995, this beloved fountain features six larger-than-life bronze sculptures by local artist Tom Corbin, depicting playful children skipping through jets of water, capturing the universal joy of childhood. Its impressive scale, with a 60-foot by 100-foot elliptical pool pumping 5,600 gallons of water per minute, makes it one of the city's largest and most enchanting fountains, inviting families to relax, play, and capture memorable moments in a beautiful, dynamic setting.
So, whether your heading to CPKC Stadium to cheer on the Current or visiting Kansas City’s Children’s Fountain, one of the many magnificent fountains in the metro area, venture into North Kansas City to experience it’s unique blend of history, vibrant local culture and many accessible attractions.
