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More Than a Game

Creating unforgettable, family-friendly nights with the Kansas City Mavericks

Article by Katarina Brewer

Photography by Nate Chaiprathum, Chance Parker, Makena Adkins, and Sarah Buchanan

Originally published in Blue Springs City Lifestyle

It’s no secret that Kansas City loves its sports. From hometown teams to national and international sporting events, this is a city that shows up to cheer—and takes pride in doing so.

That pride shows up in many ways across the metro, from packed stadiums to local game-day traditions. At every level, sports in KC are about shared experiences—cheering together and creating memories that last well beyond the final buzzer.

That mindset is at the heart of the Kansas City Mavericks—offering a gameday experience that blends fast-paced, competitive hockey with energy, creativity, and fun. Whether it’s the action on the ice or the atmosphere in the stands, Mavericks games are designed to be welcoming and engaging for everyone—families, lifelong hockey fans, and those experiencing the sport for the first time. Affordable tickets, free parking at Cable Dahmer Arena, and great sightlines throughout the arena make it easy for fans of all ages to enjoy professional hockey in Kansas City.

Guiding this vision is Lamar Hunt Jr. and James Arkell, whose family roots run deep in sports. They’ve built the team around a simple principle: hockey should be entertaining, inclusive, and memorable. Under their leadership, the Mavericks have grown into a team that values community, creativity, and connection just as much as competition—ensuring every fan leaves with a night worth remembering.

The moment fans walk through the doors, it’s clear the Mavericks are about more than the score. Themed nights, playful intermission antics, and unexpected fan interactions keep the energy high and make each game unforgettable—especially for younger fans, who often remember the excitement and shared experiences more than the final score. From Chuck-a-Puck competitions—where fans toss foam pucks during the second intermission for a chance to win prizes—to on-ice contests and playful appearances by Mac the mascot, fans are often pulled from the crowd to join in the fun, all set to high-energy music playing throughout the arena. 

On select theme nights, the fun doesn’t end at the final buzzer. Special post-game skates invite fans onto the ice alongside Mavericks players—creating unforgettable moments through photos, autographs, and face-to-face interactions that few professional sports experiences can match.

Inclusive experiences, like sensory-friendly games, remove barriers and ensure every child and family feels welcome. Surprises on the ice and little details that make each night unique create memories that linger long after the final buzzer—and truly set the Mavericks apart as Kansas City’s hockey team.

Beyond the action on the ice, the Mavericks are deeply connected to the Kansas City community. Each month, the team partners with a local charity, dedicating time, resources, and funds to causes that matter. From jersey auctions to supporting literacy through Mac’s Power Play Reading Club in schools, the Mavericks use hockey as a way to bring people together—both in the arena and across the city. Players don’t just take the ice; they show up in the community as approachable role models, connecting with schools, charities, and young fans in meaningful ways.

Players and staff are actively involved not because it’s required, but because giving back is woven into the team’s culture. By pairing high-energy entertainment with meaningful community engagement, the Mavericks have created an environment where fans don’t need to know hockey to enjoy the experience—just a willingness to show up, have fun, and feel part of something bigger than the game.

In a city that takes pride in showing up for its teams, the Kansas City Mavericks offer something a little different. Whether it’s your first hockey game or a family tradition in the making, a night at a Mavericks game is about more than the action on the ice—it’s about shared moments, kids laughing during on-ice contests, and the satisfaction of supporting local causes that matter. With affordable tickets, free parking, and an atmosphere designed to welcome everyone, the Mavericks have created a game-day experience that feels unmistakably Kansas City—where families come together, memories are made, and everyone belongs.

Website: kcmavericks.com

Instagram: @kcmavericks

Facebook: kcmaverickshockey

“You don’t need to know hockey to enjoy a night with the Kansas City Mavericks.”