The pulsating theme from “Midnight Express” greeted Missouri Comets fans as they entered the Independence Events Center for a news conference dedicated to the newest member of the Major Indoor Soccer League.
Dazzling lights, smoke and the “Midnight Express” theme were as much a part of Kansas City soccer lore as Enzo DiPede, Gino Schiradi and high-scoring, fast-paced indoor games.
“Boy, that (song) brings back memories,” said MISL Commissioner David Grimaldi, who played in the MISL and visited Kansas City’s Kemper Arena, the home of the first era of the Comets franchise.
“If anyone remembers what it was like to see 15,000 sold-out seats at Kemper Arena, they’re going to realize just how special this new version of the Comets will be in the Independence Events.
“It’s the perfect venue for this franchise. It’s intimate, the seats are very reasonable and there’s free parking. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
Joining Grimaldi at the Wednesday afternoon news conference were Independence Mayor Don Reimal, Events Center general manager Mike Young and Comets team co-owner Ed Scheetz, a Blue Springs resident and lifelong soccer fan.
“When I saw this building go up a year ago, the first thing I thought was that we have to get an indoor soccer team in here,” Scheetz said. “I got on the Internet, checked some things out, then I called Commissioner Grimaldi.
“Everything took longer than I anticipated, but now it’s all worked out and today – with the announcement that the team is going to play at the Events Center – I couldn’t be any more excited.”
Neither could the mayor.
“Two tenants, isn’t that wonderful?” Reimal asked, referring to the Comets and the popular Missouri Mavericks of the Central Hockey League. “And we’re trying to get more. We want to have something going on in this great facility year round.
“Today’s announcement though, is just so exciting because you can’t drive anywhere in the Independence or Eastern Jackson County area without seeing youngsters playing soccer.
“Now, they’re going to be able to see the best soccer players in the nation play right here in our own Events Center.”
Young, a graduate of Fort Osage High School, remembers roaming around Kemper Arena, watching the Comets, while he was a youngster.
“They were so exciting, and it’s just amazing that we’re going to have the Comets right here in the Independence Events Center,” Young said. “We have a first-class facility with a first-class ownership group and 2,000 free parking spaces.
