ST. LOUIS — St. Louis CITY SC's CEO Carolyn Kindle celebrated her soccer team on Friday at Balkan Treat Box, making a pit stop to drop off CITY SC signs.
In its first year, CITY SC clinched a spot in the playoffs.
"No one thought we'd really make it to the playoffs, much less number one top of the Western Conference table," Kindle said.
The achievements go beyond the pitch.
Kindle said partnerships with local restaurants like Balkan Treat Box are impactful.
In post-match surveys, more than half of the fans shared they plan to visit the food partner brick-and-mortar locations.
"That's what we wanted, that's what we needed. That plan is working," Kindle said.
Steve's Hot Dogs also has a concession stand in the stadium.
The restaurant's co-owner, Danni Eickenhorst, told 5 On Your Side, "It was a total game changer, not only to be a part of this historic moment, but it allows for these small brands to be seen like we've never been before. It's opened the door for us to reap the benefits. That opportunity gave Steve's Hot Dogs at America's Center and Enterprise Center."
Eickenhorst believes it's been a boost for St. Louis.
"I love the vision connecting downtown all the way in and I think this is the missing piece, we have so many people to visit. It's been a total blessing and a boom for everybody in and around that area," she added.
The outcome for the playoffs is still unknown, but Eickenhorst thinks the city has already won.
"St. Louis needed a win. I think we're always fighting, all of us community members, we are fighting for something good in St. Louis," Eickenhorst said.
Here's the full schedule against Sporting Kansas City:
- Match 1: 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 at CityPark
- Match 2: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 at Children's Mercy Park
- Match 3 (if necessary): 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at CityPark
It's the best of three.
The teams played each other three times this season, with the home team winning each match.
STL Santos is hosting a Latino party for the STL Santos support group, where they sell merchandise and raise funds for flags.
