I have to say that from what I see in KC, the World Cup is kind of fun. We rode our bikes downtown yesterday and came back passing Union Station, where fan fest was going on. I feel like I might as well have been in Argentina…there were blue and white jersey’s everywhere. Being on bikes was a real plus as we were allowed to ride in areas closed off to cars.
Last Saturday, a parking lot behind Hallmark’s corporate offices was filled with buses, but all of them were out and lining up to take fans. Some others in my bike group were going to the Plaza and intended to take the trolley down to fan fest at Union Station…they turned around and went home - the line to take the trolley was blocks long.
Then I heard that the Algerian team is based out of Lawrence (University of Kansas). the KU band learned the Algerian national anthem and played it as the Algerian team walked on to their practice field.
I guess the Dutch team is also based out of KC and will be playing here. The Dutch fans have a tradition of a fan walk to the games but the stadium is too far away so they plan on walking from the Power and LIght district to the Fan Fest at Liberty Memorial. Our group is considering joining them on the walk/ride. A local bike shop is owned by a Dutch family and they are supplying them with as many bikes as they need. The Netherlands is kind of a mecca for cycling and this was some very good PR for their shop
https://www.kansascity.com/sports/fifa-world-cup/article316077245.html
There are four teams based in KC during the World Cup. England is staying about 2 miles from my home and they have booked a small boutique hotel and restaurants during their stay. We just rode by there today and security is pretty strong, but not oppressive.
This is all on a par with the vibe that the city had for the Chiefs. But in my opinion, nothing can top the vibe this city had for the Royals World Series win. But it’s kind of fun here during the world cup
