Missouri's Pro Sports Rivalry: St. Louis vs. Kansas City
Missouri's professional sports landscape is defined by a fierce rivalry between its two major cities, St. Louis and Kansas City. This rivalry transcends individual sports, encompassing baseball, football, soccer, and more, creating a passionate atmosphere that engages fans across the state. This article explores the historical and contemporary rivalries between St. Louis and Kansas City, highlighting key matchups and the cultural significance of these contests.
Historical Context: A Tale of Two Cities
St. Louis and Kansas City have long been two of Missouri's largest metropolitan areas, each with its own unique identity and sports culture. The rivalry between the cities has roots in their historical competition for economic and cultural dominance within the state. This competition extends to sports, where fans passionately support their teams and take pride in their city’s achievements.
Baseball Rivalry: Cardinals vs. Royals
The rivalry took on a significant dimension with Major League Baseball's St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals. The Cardinals, one of the most successful franchises in MLB history, have won 11 World Series championships, while the Royals have claimed two titles (1985 and 2015). Their most notable matchup occurred during the 1985 World Series, where the Royals defeated the Cardinals in a dramatic seven-game series that showcased the intensity of their rivalry. The proximity of these two cities—approximately 250 miles apart—has fueled fan interest in matchups between the two teams, especially during interleague play. The Cardinals' strong following often spills over into Kansas City, leading to lively atmospheres when the teams meet.
Football Rivalry: Chiefs vs. Rams
In football, the rivalry is highlighted by the Kansas City Chiefs and the now Los Angeles Rams (formerly based in St. Louis). The Chiefs have established themselves as one of the NFL's premier franchises, winning Super Bowl LIV in 2020 and Super Bowl LVII in 2023. The Rams had a successful run in St. Louis before relocating to Los Angeles in 2016.While direct matchups are less frequent due to conference alignments, the historical connection remains strong. Fans often reminisce about the competitive spirit displayed during games when both teams were vying for playoff positions.
Read: Montana's Professional Sports Teams: Big Sky Country's Athletic Pursuits
Soccer Rivalry: Sporting Kansas City vs. St. Louis City SC
The most recent chapter in Missouri's sports rivalry is found in soccer with the emergence of Sporting Kansas City and St. Louis City SC in Major League Soccer (MLS). St. Louis City SC joined MLS as an expansion team for the 2023 season, reigniting a regional rivalry that had been dormant for years. The first meeting between these two teams on May 20, 2023, ended with a convincing 4-0 victory for St. Louis City SC at CITYPARK. This match marked a new era for soccer in Missouri and set the stage for future encounters filled with intensity and competitive spirit. Since then, matches between Sporting Kansas City and St. Louis City SC have produced thrilling moments, including high-scoring games that engage fans from both sides of the state line. The rivalry has quickly developed its own identity, with supporters passionately engaging online and at matches.
The I-70 Derby
This burgeoning soccer rivalry has been dubbed several names, including the I-70 Derby, referencing Interstate 70 that connects St. Louis and Kansas City. Other names include "Soccer Capital Derby" due to disputes over branding rights related to soccer culture in both cities and "Heartland Derby," reflecting their Midwestern roots.
Cultural Significance
The rivalry between St. Louis and Kansas City extends beyond just sports; it encapsulates regional pride and identity. Fans often engage in friendly banter about their respective cities' culinary offerings—Kansas City's famous barbecue versus St. Louis's toasted ravioli—and other cultural distinctions. Sports rivalries serve as a unifying force for communities within each city, fostering camaraderie among fans while igniting competitive spirit against their neighbors. Whether it's cheering for a baseball game at Busch Stadium or an MLS match at CITYPARK, these events bring people together to celebrate their passion for sports.
Missouri's professional sports rivalries—especially between St. Louis and Kansas City—are steeped in history and cultural significance that enriches the state's athletic landscape. From baseball's Cardinals vs. Royals to football's Chiefs vs. Rams and soccer's Sporting KC vs. St. Louis City SC, each matchup brings excitement and pride to fans across Missouri. As these rivalries continue to evolve with new chapters being written in soccer and other sports, they will undoubtedly remain an integral part of Missouri's identity—a testament to the enduring spirit of competition that defines this great state.
Read: Nebraska's Professional Sports Landscape: From Omaha to Lincoln
