Erik Bergrud - Announcer

New interview with Kansas City Comets Managing Partner Brian Budzinski dropping next week, just in time for the beginning of the Major Arena Soccer League free agency period!

Cue David Bowie, “Ch-ch-ch-changes.”

Three weeks from today, Lionel Messi and Argentina will begin the defense of their 2022 FIFA World Cup championship right here in Kansas City when they take on Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium.

The countdown is on for one of the most exciting moments in our region’s history. In just a matter of days, Kansas City will welcome the world - global media, international visitors, passionate supporters, and an energy unlike anything our community has experienced before.

As businesses, civic leaders, and residents prepare for this generational opportunity, understanding what to expect during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is more important than ever.

Last week, Dr. Diego Gutierrez joined me for a Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce virtual conversation focused on what Kansas City businesses and the broader community can expect both inside the stadium and throughout the region during the tournament. In just 30 minutes, viewers gain a clearer understanding of the atmosphere, movement, excitement, and global presence that will define Kansas City during the World Cup.

The conversation also offers practical insight into how Kansas Citians can engage with visiting fans and help showcase our community on the world stage.

Watch “Countdown to Kickoff: What Kansas City Businesses Can Expect, On the Streets and On the Pitch” here:
https://youtu.be/NFG-nITgd18

He's back! Kansas City Comets Head Coach Stefan Stokic receives a three-year contract extension.

Comets extend head coach Stefan Stokic on three-year deal - Kansas City Comets Comets extend head coach Stefan Stokic on three-year deal - Kansas City Comets

Nick Vasos - Fox 4 and I reminisce a lot about the MISL and NPSL on our Kansas City Comets broadcasts. My interview with Glenn Davis harkens back to the CISL days, a league I didn’t experience personally but watched from a difference.

Get a sense of what indoor soccer was like back when it was played during the summer.

It's time for a new episode of Ten For Ten!

This week, Erik Bergrud sits down with longtime soccer broadcaster Glenn Davis, whose resume stretches from the Houston Dynamo of the MLS, to calling games in the Olympics, Champions League and FIFA World Cup!

Check out the full interview on MASLtv at https://youtu.be/GBs8BMQXZ1E

With the world just weeks away from arriving in Kansas City, now is the time to understand what our region will feel like during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Join the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce for a fast-paced, 30-minute virtual briefing designed for the business community. Whether you’re a lifelong soccer supporter or brand new to the sport, this session will help you anticipate the energy, movement, and global atmosphere that will define Kansas City during the tournament.

What you’ll take away:
* A clear sense of the atmosphere Kansas City will experience before, during, and between matches
* Insight into matchday dynamics and the global fan experience
* An understanding of how the tournament will show up across neighborhoods, corridors, and gathering places
* Practical awareness to help you and your team feel prepared, informed, and ready to welcome the world

You’ll gain a vivid preview of what to expect across the region - from matchdays at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to the buzz at local watch parties, fan gatherings, and team base camps. We’ll explore how international visitors, media, and teams will engage with the city - and what that means for the day-to-day experience of operating in Kansas City during this historic moment.

The conversation will feature Dr. Diego Gutiérrez, a former Major League Soccer player, respected soccer analyst, and faculty member at Rockhurst University - and a former member of the U.S. Men's National Team.

A member of the league’s inaugural season and a longtime voice of the game, Diego brings a unique dual perspective, combining deep knowledge of tournament play, player mindset, and matchday dynamics with academic and local insight. He will offer an insider’s view of what to expect on the pitch, including the rhythm of matches, the profile of visiting teams and fans, and how the global game will unfold in Kansas City.

Hosting the session is Erik Bergrud, who leads public policy efforts for the Chamber and works closely with regional leaders and businesses on major civic initiatives. In addition to his Chamber role, Erik serves as a color analyst for the Kansas City Comets and hosts Ten for Ten, an interview series spotlighting leaders and personalities across the Major Arena Soccer League. He brings both a civic and soccer-informed perspective to the conversation, helping participants connect the global spectacle on the pitch to the experience unfolding across Kansas City.

Kansas City’s World Cup moment is almost here. Join us for this timely conversation and be ready for the energy, excitement, and opportunity that comes when the world takes notice.

Date/Time
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 2:30PM-3:00PM

Register: https://greaterkansascitychamberofcommerce.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/6VFQmAYSmC1CZ

A true legend of the game! I witnessed many Kevin Crow victories over the years.

The season might be over, but we continue with more Ten For Ten with Erik Bergrud!

On this episode, Erik Bergrud sits down with San Diego Sockers legend, former USMNT player and 2026 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, Kevin Crow!

Check it out at https://youtu.be/m0kRV_j92bE

Congratulations to the San Diego Sockers on an epic championship performance! I'll have to practice saying "17-time champion" over the offseason.

In some poetic timing, my Major Arena Soccer League Ten for Ten interview with Sockers legend Kevin Crow, set to be inducted in the National Soccer Hall of Fame, will stream this Wednesday.

YOU CAN PUT A STAR ON THAT ONE...17 STARS TO BE EXACT

THE San Diego Sockers ARE YOUR 2025-26 RON NEWMAN CUP CHAMPIONS

My announcing debut took place at a Sporting Kansas City game when I was selected in a fan contest to join the broadcasters on air for 15 minutes. A Sporting fan was ejected that night and banned for life for hurling a bobblehead at a player.

There is a history of indoor soccer fans getting entangled with players (a St. Louis/Wichita incident from the 1980s comes to mind).

How the Major Arena Soccer League is addressing last night’s incident is measured and appropriate.

“But, he/they started it” might be normal for Facebook comments but not a legitimate position for any professional franchise.

https://youtu.be/FZjQhjmEP3c?si=zvvDQAGYFdHxfB5Z

The Major Arena Soccer League has released the following statement regarding the events at the conclusion of Game 1 last night in Milwaukee

What a personal and professional honor this was!

On this week's edition of Ten For Ten, Erik Bergrud sits down with former NY Arrows coach, USMNT coach, and current soccer rules analyst for FOX, Dr. Joe Machnik!

Check it out at https://youtu.be/zoW7vBZykhQ