July 24, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - With the summer months winding down and fans eager for the start of the 2014-15 athletics calendar, groups like the Kansas City Mizzou Tiger Club have continued their aggressive promotion of both Mizzou Athletics and the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

This past Tuesday, July 22 at McFadden's Sports Saloon inside the Power and Light District in Kansas City, Mo., fans from across the Kansas City area were treated to a unique event in association with the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Third Annual "SEC Block Party", led by KC Tiger Club's Scott Jones, included a wide array of fun-filled family activities, food and beverages and an impressive lineup of guest appearances from Mizzou Athletics.

Throughout the evening, nearly 600 SEC and Mizzou fans decked out in their favorite school colors made their way through the Power and Light District located in the heart of downtown Kansas City. Fans were treated to live music, merchandise tents, a silent auction, and exclusive highlights videos from each of the 14 SEC schools.

Two former Mizzou football Tigers highlighted the guest celebrities Tuesday, as Kansas City natives Marcus Lucas (Liberty, Mo.) and Tommy Saunders (Kearney, Mo.) interacted with Mizzou and SEC fans throughout the night.

Assistant Director of External Engagement and Special Events, Lorraine Rodriguez, oversaw the event on behalf of Mizzou's Tiger Scholarship Fund. In its third year, the SEC Block Party has continued to grow in popularity and will remain a premier event during the athletics off-season.

"This event started up as soon as we became a part of the SEC in 2012," said Rodriguez. "The Kansas City Tiger Club made a move on a golden opportunity to host a signature event that embraced and celebrated all 14 SEC schools. It has seen great growth and continued involvement from all SEC universities year after year."

"It's really great to see the school flags, hear the fight songs and chants, and even eat some local faire (LSU brought alligator sausage this year!) from each school. I have to applaud the KC Tiger Club on the time and effort they put into this event. It's a first-class night that continues to celebrate the best fans and the best conference in all of college athletics!"

The local buzz for the upcoming Mizzou and SEC athletics season was quite evident, as there was nearly an increase of 400 fans in attendance in comparison to last year's SEC Block Party. Steven St. John, host of Kansas City's Sports Radio 810 WHB "The Border Patrol" show, served as the event MC throughout the evening at McFadden's.

Mizzou fans interested in learning more about the Kansas City Tiger Club can visit KCTigerClub.com or e-mail Club President Julia Ferner at president@kctigerclub.com.

For more information on Mizzou Athletics events taking place in the Kansas City area this summer and throughout the state of Missouri, visit MUTigers.com or follow the Tigers on Twitter (@MUTigersDotCom).