Gold Dome Super Bowl Party host annual watchalong and feast for unhoused community
Photo Courtesy of Gold Dome Super Bowl Party
Ever since the Chiefs Super Bowl appearance in 2020, a Kansas City couple has made it their mission to host Super Bowl parties for the unhoused community by curating an immersive game watching experience by teaming up with Morning Glory Ministries.
The Gold Dome Super Bowl Party was born in 2020 after Laci and Ryan McClelland were floored by Super Bowl ticket prices. For reference: as of Feb. 5, Super Bowl LIX ticket packages are listed at a starting price of $4,550. And yes, that’s per person.
They took into consideration how that money could be spent better elsewhere, and realized not everyone is given the equal opportunity to take part in Super Bowl festivities. So, they decided to invest that money in the community and create a space for local homeless citizens to join in on the fun, win or lose.
The McClelland’s are partnering with Morning Glory Ministries—a ministry that provides community outreach devoted to helping members of the community. Located downtown, they serve breakfast every weekday morning and offer emergency services to help people in need.
“Laci called me up and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got this crazy idea.’ I’m all up for crazy ideas,” Morning Glory Ministries Director John Kraus says. “It was a wonderful success. They were going to spend this much money going to the Super Bowl, so we’ll make sure it’s a really nice party. And so we did that, and then it has just kind of grown.”
Kraus met the McClellands through their volunteer work with the ministry. Since partnering up and spreading the word, over a hundred people were in attendance at the first party, and that number doubled in 2023. This year, they’re hopeful that attendance will be even higher.
“We don’t have to advertise it,” Kraus says. “We see almost 200 people a day, and so we just made up little quarter sheets of paper, describing it with a little graphic and pass them out and say ‘Hey, you’re welcome to attend this party!’ Word spreads like that.”
Alongside the Super Bowl being screened for all attendees, the event will also offer catered Jack Stack Barbecue, dessert options, free haircuts and raffle prizes. Another perk: It’ll be nice and warm.
The event will take place Sunday, Feb. 9, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will be held in the newly constructed Bishop Hogan Center, attached to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 416 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105.
If you’re interested in volunteer opportunities or their services, you can find more information on their website.
