Sporting KC

Off the Pitch

News EN ↓ 8 episodes

Off the Pitch is Sporting KC’s culture-forward podcast that brings together soccer, Kansas City, and the personalities that make both special. Hosted by Blake Aerni, the voice of Sporting KC on gameday, and Marika Davis, our in-game host, the show takes fans beyond the field and into the stories, culture, and conversations that surround the team and the city. Each episode blends Sporting KC with Kansas City happenings and pop culture through a consistent format. The show that celebrates soccer while showcasing the people, stories, and culture that make Kansas City unique.

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Sporting KC

Episodes

FIFA World Cup™ Kansas City is HERE | Lasse Berg-Johnsen | Ep. 8 02.07.2026 31:00

The FIFA World Cup™ has arrived in Kansas City — and Blake and Marika are right in the middle of it. In this episode, Marika reveals her role as in-stadium host for all six FIFA World Cup™ matches in KC, while Blake shares his experience as the voice of FIFA Fan Fest. The duo head live to Soccer Capital Summer to soak in the atmosphere and chat with fans during Mexico vs. South Korea. Then, Sporti...

Soccer Capital Summer Breakdown ft. KC Local Talent | Alesia Lawson + The Royal Chief | Ep. 7 28.05.2026 34:45

We are locked in World Cup mode. In this episode, we cover Big Slick's big return, Sporting KC's back half bundle deal, and gets into the Soccer Capital Summer hype — including predictions on which teams will go far and a full draft of the best kits at the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Then, Alicia Lawson, Sporting KC's Senior Director of Events, joins Off the Pitch to pull back the curtain o...

Star Wars™ Night, Darts & KC Summer | Calvin Harris | Ep. 6 15.05.2026 30:47

We're back with a summer full of things to do in KC — from the KC Monarchs' opening day and the Mavericks' playoff run to Power and Light's Hot Country Nights kicking off at Sporting Park. Plus, Star Wars™ Night is coming May 23rd, and the duo blind ranks their favorite characters before the big game. Then, Sporting Kansas City's Calvin Harris joins to talk about growing up ac...

FIFA Fan Festival™ & Mental Performance | KC2026 & Becky Wiseman | Ep. 5 30.04.2026 43:37

In this episode, we cover Kansas City's buzzing art scene, the Victory Run 5K benefiting The Victory Project, and Kid’s Day at Sporting Park, before Blake and Marika draft their ultimate childhood halftime snack lineup. Then, Mallory Cage and Chris Haghirian from KC2026 join us to talk all things FIFA Fan Festival™ Kansas City— a free, all-ages event at the National World War I Memorial featu...

Watermelons, Poutine & Worlds of Fun | Ross Chastain, Stephen Afrifa & Zorhan Bassong | Ep. 4 16.04.2026 35:14

Summer is coming fast! In this episode, we cover NASCAR at Kansas Speedway, the official launch of Soccer Capital Summer at Sporting Park — KC's free FIFA World Cup watch party events— and settles the debate on the best rides at Worlds of Fun now that the Timberwolf is back. Then, Sporting Kansas City's Stephen Afrifa and Zorhan Bassong join Off the Pitch for a hilarious conversation abou...

Bagpipes, Burnt Ends & eMLS | Manu Gracia | Ep. 3 02.04.2026 33:18

Say hello to our new studio! We’re talking all things Kansas City, from the Parade of Hearts to upcoming FIFA World Cup™ fan events at Sporting Park, before settling the most important debate in KC: who can draft the perfect barbecue plate? Then, Sporting Kansas City midfielder Manu Garcia joins Off the Pitch to talk life in KC, his love of rodeos, bagpipes, espresso, and how a Spanish kid from O...

Trash Talk, Retro Kits & Hank, Jansen's Cat | Jansen Miller | Ep. 2 19.03.2026 27:09

Blake and Marika are back—and with spring here, the MLS season is officially underway. In this episode, the duo breaks down their all-time favorite retro Sporting KC kits ahead of Retro Night (3/21/2026 at Sporting Park) and dives into the growing FIFA World Cup™ excitement coming to Kansas City. Then, Sporting Kansas City’s Jansen Miller joins the show to talk downtown KC life, his famous cat Han...

Welcome, Off the Pitch: Who We Are, Why KC, and Everything Sporting | Ep. 1 05.03.2026 29:01

Welcome to Off the Pitch — the official Sporting Kansas City podcast and your go-to source for everything Sporting KC, MLS, soccer, and Kansas City culture. In our very first episode, we're keeping it real: meet your hosts, Blake Aerni (the voice of Sporting KC) and Marika Davis (in-stadium host at Sporting Park), two Kansas City natives who are bringing their group chat energy straight to your ea...