K.C. communities around and even outside the metro area are “planning their own parties and activities” during course of the World Cup, according to Blair Kerkhoff of the K.C. STAR. The KC2026 organization said that some 85 viewing applications for watch parties have been submitted from communities across the region, and “most of those are awaiting FIFA approval.” The “Goal! Lee’s Summit 2026 Soccer Celebration” will roll out “Futbol Fridays” starting June 12. The Lenexa City Center will be the site for three days of community events dubbed “Pitch Lenexa.” Cameron, Mo., will host the “Kickin It In Cameron” event. In June, the town will also be holding a hot-air balloon festival, “footgolf” tournament, BBQ contest and more. Haskell Indian Nations Univ. will be the site of three events throughout the World Cup: The Indigenous World Market; a “Powwow on the Pitch” festival on June 24; and an event called “Friday Facts” (K.C. STAR, 4/29).
ADDITIONAL EFFORTS: The Missouri Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that additional train cars from Illinois and Michigan “will be added to both daily round trips” between St. Louis and K.C., which will “add 25% capacity to each train.” The expansion will begin June 15 and will be available through the World Cup matches in K.C., ending July 12 (K.C. STAR, 4/29). In K.C., Jenna Thompson reports the Missouri Restaurant Association is recommending that its members in K.C. “implement automatic gratuity” to 20% gratuity temporarily, regardless of party size. The MRA is also recommending that restaurants “clearly communicate their updated policy to customers, so nobody is surprised by the bill” (K.C. STAR, 4/30).
IN THE SPIRIT: In K.C., Eric Adler notes K.C. International Airport’s “World Cup spirit has been on full display.” In the baggage claim area, the female and male stick figures that mark the bathroom entrances are “now wearing FIFA soccer jerseys” and each “has a soccer ball at its side.” In November, the airport installed a KC2026 FIFA World Cup countdown clock at the center of the terminal, just beyond the security gates. The baggage carousels are also “wrapped in World Cup messages.” A wall for Instagram photos declares “We are 26 Kansas City” as the “center of a blue heart.” K.C. Aviation Department spokesperson Jackson Overstreet said that most of the banners “were put in place at night over two weeks starting in mid-April, and including last week.” He added that the messages were “designed in collaboration with KC2026 and the architectural and design firm Populous” (K.C. STAR, 4/30).
