KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The World Cup has entered the knockout rounds. For those new to soccer, the meaning is simple: Lose, and you go home. The pressure is on. And in this reporter’s opinion, Kansas City’s FIFA Fan Fest is one of the best ways to revel in the emotion.
Located on the south lawn of the National WWI Museum in the heart of Kansas City, KC’s Fan Fest is open to the public. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know.
It’s free, but there are costs
The FIFA Fan Fest does not charge admission, but there are many hidden costs along the way. Concessions may be significantly higher than area high school and community college sports fans are accustomed to.
Parking is another hidden cost with some lots charging as high as $40, even for only a few hours. Kansas City has plenty of free street parking for more observant drivers, but traveling through downtown KCMO has its benefits and drawbacks.
Fan Fest is easily accessible via the KC Streetcar; it literally stops right outside the entrance.
That’s probably the best way to get to the entrance. (It also saves you from having to walk up a pretty long hill.)
If you’re looking to upgrade the experience, you can purchase legacy lounge and garden passes, which give you air-conditioning, all-inclusive food and more. It’s pricey, though. A legacy lounge pass is $225 per day.
Fans bring the place to life
With screens exceeding 50 feet and multiple grassy areas to see any one of three different matches going on simultaneously, there is no shortage of space. In fact, visitors have more than five different options.
Fans of a competing nation’s team often gather in mass at one screen. With fan cheers and roars growing in the tense moments, even newcomers to soccer get immersed in the experience of an international soccer game.
It’s a million times better than watching it alone at home, or catching highlights on your phone.
But there’s more than just soccer. Live music, entertainment, games and more provide fun for the whole family.
Plenty of great food and views
If you choose street parking, any spot within miles of the WWI Museum offers a scenic walk and lots of budget friendly options for a quick bite before entering. If you’re parking in the free spots along Broadway Boulevard, look out for Town Topic, which offers some of the best burgers in town for $7. Kansas City also has numerous reasonably priced food trucks, restaurants and coffee houses along the way.
Registration may be confusing
Before you arrive at Fan Fest, you have to register online, even just to reserve a free general admission pass. For those not literate to QR codes, don’t get overwhelmed.
