Where Are We Kicking It?

Sports

Where Are We Kicking It?

Happy Tuesday, Kansas City! Six Kansas City locations have begun the courting process to become FIFA World Cup base camps.

• What’s A Base Camp?: Don’t worry, it’s our first time too. Each of the 48 qualifying teams will also choose a base camp where the team will train and stay. Cities that host base camps for teams that are expected to have deep runs usually see large economic boosts because fans will also come.

• Who is In The Running?: The 6 KC locations that could become base camps are the Compass Minerals National Performance Center, Children’s Mercy Park, Swope Soccer Village, Julian Field, Jackson County Sports Complex, and the Kansas City Current facilities.

• Lots of Competition: Each location would add value by giving players a place to practice, but also lots of space to host fans who have made the trip. With 16 cities competing to become base camps, it’s likely competition will be high for top contenders.

While we’ll keep you updated on the World Cup base camps, it will likely be a long process. Most base camps don’t get announced until a few months before the cup.

Entertainment

Is Huck Finn Headed To KC?

The Berkley Riverfront has lots to be excited about—a new soccer stadium, new businesses, and a new potential stop along a riverboat cruise.

• Initial Interest: Lost week, Port KC was informed that a firm operating river cruises along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers is looking at expanding to the Missouri River, and eyeing KC as a potential stop.

• Gotta Be One Of You: While the firm asked to remain anonymous for the time being, there are currently three companies operating on the Mississippi and Ohio: American Cruise Lines, American Queen Voyages, and Viking.

• Business Is Booming: Over the last decade, the US river cruise vacation has seen a major uptick in tourists opting for the overnight options. Cities all along the rivers have seen positive economic impacts from welcoming tourists along the way.

Currently, there are no river cruises that service the Missouri River, but that could change by as soon as 2025 when KC’s Streetcar would expand options for tourists visiting via the river.

Economy

Raking It In

The large concerts that came to KC this year delivered a major economic impact to the city.

• Big Boost: Mayor Lucas tweeted the results from a recent economic study that found the 4 largest concerts at Arrowhead this year delivered over $80M to KC in economic impact.

• The Big 4: This summer saw Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Billy Joel, and Beyonce all perform in Kansas City. Beyonce’s concert alone was estimated to draw $16M to the city.

• New Boy, New Bag: The economic impact of Taylor Swift’s concerts has been well documented. Not only did the new billionaire make it out of KC with a new boyfriend, but she also brought nearly $50M to KC.

The only event scheduled for Arrowhead next year is Morgan Wallen in August of 2024. Rest assured, after the recent impact this summer, KC will make a play for many more concerts.

KC Daily Picks

In Other News

• ✡️Spreading Shalom: KC will host its annual KC Jewish Cultural Fest this weekend.

• ⛲Hope Is Funny: The recent announcement of a new owner for the Plaza has sparked a new wave of optimism.

• ☁️Cloudy Memory: Cumulus Media, the owner of several radio stations, announced your KC radio options are changing.

• 🤠T-Mobile Goes Country: The T-Mobile Center will welcome Jason Aldean and a host of several country artists this Thursday night.

• ⚽️Highly Valued: The Kansas City Current were recently ranked 3rd among the most valuable teams in the NWSL.

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