Cities the size of Kansas City covet being on the national stage which is why the K.C.'s, Baltimore's, Minneapolis', Denver's and Milwaukee's of the U.S. seek out major sporting events. I've been to major events in New York and Los Angeles, and similar events in Charlotte and Kansas City. I can assure you that a major event elicits little more than a yawn in the former and special newspaper sections in the latter.
Such an event is occurring as we speak in Kansas City--the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, a k a "the Midsummer Classic." For those of us who grew up on baseball, this was the mid-season event which showcased our heroes--the stars of this game we all loved to play. For sports fans, the MLB All-Star Game represents the one all-star affair which means something as home field advantage in the World Series is determined by which league wins this game.
For Kansas Citians, this game puts us on the national stage again. We've experienced this sort of publicity in the past--the 1988 Final Four, the 1985 World Series, and the 1976 Republican Convention come to mind. It's been almost 25 years, though, since an event of this magnitude has taken place here in our metropolitan area. It's a rough reminder of the lack of success among our professional sports teams and indicative of the aggressiveness of other cities at seeking out major events. It also reaffirms the colossal mistake to not approve the rolling roof design over Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium--an architectural feat which would have assuredly brought a Final Four if not a Super Bowl, in deference to Lamar Hunt, as well.
This week has been filled with activity here--MLB's Fan Fest and another free fan experience downtown, various events at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and last night's Futures Game and Celebrity All-Star Game out at "the K." Tonight we get the Home Run Derby and tomorrow is the big game.
Over $60 million in economic impact will result from visitors coming to K.C. and spending money on hotels, food and in our retail establishments. The bigger impact, though, is to Kansas City's pride and our belief in ourselves.
Once again, Kansas City is in the national spotlight. Our terrific sports complex is on display; the Plaza, Westport and the Crossroads District will be visited and photographed; our barbecue debate will go national; and new architectural icons like the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Nelson-Atkins Museum expansion will be highlighted.
It's an exciting time in the ol' Cowtown and one which only a market of this size can experience when the big event comes to town. So, puff out your chest, Kansas City--it is indeed "our time."
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