Ted Lasso's Hometown: KC Stadium Inspires New Season

The acclaimed series "Ted Lasso" returns for its fourth season, with the premiere episode, "Home," set in Kansas City, Missouri. This location is significant as it is the hometown of co-creator and star Jason Sudeikis. The narrative sees AFC Richmond's "brass"—Rebecca, Keeley, and Higgins—traveling to Kansas City to recruit Ted Lasso back to coach their new women's team. Their visit includes a tour of the CPKC Stadium, the first of its kind globally designed specifically for women's sports, a facility Sudeikis considers a point of pride for his hometown.

The characters immerse themselves in Kansas City's culture, experiencing its renowned barbecue and landmarks like the Plaza. Actor Jeremy Swift, who plays Higgins, visited the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, drawing parallels between historical achievements in sports and music with the show's themes. Juno Temple, portraying Keeley, highlighted the educational and respectful nature of the first episode, emphasizing the importance of listening and learning from others.

Filming in Kansas City offered the cast and crew a glimpse into Sudeikis' origins and the city's unique appeal. Despite challenges like Midwestern heat and sunburns, the experience was largely positive, marked by "Midwestern hospitality." The season premiere reinforces "Ted Lasso's" connection to Kansas City BBQ, a recurring motif, with a scene filmed at Gates Bar-B-Q. The episode also weaves in historical context, with Higgins' museum visits underscoring the show's commitment to storytelling and education.