MLS Commissioner Don Garber attended the grand opening of Sporting K.C. and U.S. Soccer's new shared training facility, Pinnacle, and said it shows a "focus on excellence" and "high performance in all areas of the business that is just really remarkable," according to Sam McDowell of the K.C. STAR. Garber added, "There's no detail they don't focus on." The tour of the facility "required two hours." Garber: "There’s a lot said about the big cities and the big markets, but the model franchise for Major League Soccer is right here. That’s in terms of how they approach their management of the business, the development of their stadium, their branding ethos, what they’re doing on the technical side in terms of winning games and winning championships. They check all the boxes. It’s become a showcase" (K.C. STAR, 5/20). Garber said, "It’s almost getting to the point where you get a bit numb because we’ve had so many buildings that we’ve opened. But I’m probably more impressed by facilities like this, where clubs are putting bricks and mortar in the ground that are not just about delivering a fan experience, which is super important, but delivering an experience for the players that will allow them to be more competitive." He added, "It really elevates what Major League Soccer is all about" (K.C. STAR, 5/16). Sporting K.C. President & CEO Jake Reid said Pinnacle drawing international matches to the city is "going to be a huge deal." He added, "I don't think you can underplay the importance of having a world-class training center that can host four different teams and be a fantastic venue for that. So we believe it makes a massive difference and will only continue to enhance the type of events we get here." USWNT coach Jill Ellis said, "I was blown away. ... With all the technology and resources that are in there, plus the coaching education and rehab, it's mind blowing" (SPORTINGKC.com, 5/17). MLS provides a look inside the newly unveiled facility.
PINNACLE TRAINING FACILITY
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