KCK businesses cash in on Copa America hype: ‘It’s been great for us '
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Copa America might be the biggest soccer tournament in Kansas City’s history and it’s drawing big crowds. The United States will take on Uruguay under the lights of Arrowhead Stadium starting at 8 p.m.
Kansas City is already known as the soccer capital of America and now it hits the global stage, giving local businesses the chance to cash in.
El Padrino KC is a go-to spot for soccer jerseys and apparel. The shop is located off of 9th St. and Minnesota Ave. in KCK, and owner Raul Villegas said their sales have gone up roughly 70 percent since the Copa came into town.
“It’s been great for us and having all these promotions,” Villegas said. “We love it.”
Monday’s matchup will be the final group-stage game for both the United States and Uruguay.
While fans have different opinions of who will win, the atmosphere should be one of a kind.
“I am pulling for the U.S., I want them to do well I want them to represent on the international stage,” Villegas said. “It’s becoming a big family of soccer from different nationalities.”
“This happens every four years and it’s a big tournament and it’s happening in Kansas City,” soccer fan Martin Figueroa said. “It’s a big thing, it’s almost unbelievable.”
As of noon on Monday, July 1 tickets on SeatGeek start around $74.
Watch an interactive talkback on Monday’s Copa America matchup:
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