Sporting Club will formally introduce Kansas City’s new United Soccer League (USL) team on Thursday during a special event outside the Applause Club at Starlight Theatre.

Thursday’s event is open to the public and fans of all ages are welcome to take part in the festivities. Parking will be available in the Zebra Lot and all in attendance should enter through Gate 7 at Starlight Theatre.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. CT and the announcement will begin at 5:45 p.m. CT to reveal the team name, logo and home venue. A limited selection of merchandise will be available to purchase on site and a raffle will be held to give away prizes that include the first season ticket for the club’s inaugural season.

City officials will join the following guests to discuss the new USL club and its impact on the growth of the game in Kansas City:

Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes

Sporting KC Assistant Technical Director Mike Jacobs

Sporting KC captain Matt Besler

KC Sports Commission Executive Committee Chairman Tom Butch

“Kansas City is a sports town and it is definitely a soccer town with Sporting Kansas City, FC Kansas City and Missouri Comets,” said Kathy Nelson, Kansas City Sports Commission President and CEO. “Now with the addition of a United Soccer League team to Sporting KC’s family, there is more to offer soccer fans and I couldn’t be more excited for Sporting, the fans and Kansas City.”

Kansas City’s team will be the 30th franchise in the United Soccer League, one of the largest professional men’s soccer leagues in the world with teams across the United States and Canada. The USL, a partner of Major League Soccer since 2013, looks to expand strategically with strong ownership groups that share the league’s passion and vision, in markets that are positioned for long-term success.