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#SBA TheStadiumBusiness Awards

IN VIDEO: LIVESTRONG Sporting Park recognized by TheStadiumBusiness Awards

Sporting KC’s LIVESTRONG Sporting Park was the worthy winner of four awards at TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2012, held in Turin, Italy in May.

The state-of-the-art stadium located in Kansas City, Kansas, scooped the Community Award (for venue’s unique partnership with LIVESTRONG that allows fans to join the fight against cancer every time they support their team at the stadium), as well as the prestigious Venue of The Year Award, awarded to the world’s best stadium, arena or sports venue over the past 12 months.

Meanwhile, CEO Robb Heineman was honoured with the Executive of the Year Award for 2012, while Sporting Innovations was presented the Product Innovation Award for its multi-dimensional FAN360 platform.

Last week, Ian Nuttall (co-founder and Chair of TheStadiumBusiness Awards), made the journey to Kansas City, Kansas to watch the watch the club’s 2-1 victory over Philadelphia Union, and spoke with Sporting KC TV:

Speaking later to MLSsoccer.com, Nuttall offered his assessment of the $200+ million, 18,000 seat venue:

“Stunning. Stunning,” he said. “I think it’s a very, very special MLS stadium, but I also think it’s a very, very special soccer stadium around the world.”

And, he said, one that clubs worldwide can study.

“The investment here in technology, in match-day experience, in customer service, that’s taking it to another level,” he said. “Having seen this, it’s only two years here in operation. Compare that with a football club in Europe that’s 100 years in operation, you guys are moving so fast that there are going to be teams all around the world looking here to see what’s going to be next.”

“Three years ago when we set out to reimagine what Sporting could be, we were challenged by our owners, including Robb Heineman, to think big and to always put our fans and their passion first,” commented Greg Cotton, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Sporting Club, in May.

“We are so pleased and humbled that our efforts have been embraced by the sports and venue industry through the recognition of Sporting Kansas City, LIVESTRONG Sporting Park and Sporting Innovations leaders in fan experience and technology.”

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