The American flag capes are out, the vuvuzela soccer horns are blaring and the Boulevard Wheat is flowing faster than you can say, “U-S-A!” The entire nation has been hit with World Cup fever and Kansas City is no exception.
Ever since Sporting Kansas City scored the coveted MLS Cup in 2013, KC soccer fans have been itching to go global. Now it seems like every Kansas Citian is scrambling for a seat at a World Cup Watch party this year. But where is the best place to cheer extra loud for Kansas City’s own Sporting KC players Matt Besler and Graham Zusi? Well, that all depends on what kind of fan you are.
Study the four different types of fans below and find the venue that suits you best. Here’s to hoping you’ll never be homeless on game day again.
Type #1: The hardcore fan
Recommendation: KC Live! Kansas City Power & Light District (Kansas City, Missouri)
If you want to root for Team USA with more than 12,000 of your closest fans, then Power & Light is the place for you. From people in business suits to swim suits, soccer fans from all walks of life crowd the stage when USA hits the field. And if you need a break from the blazing sun, there are plenty of bars in the semi-circle surrounding the stage where you can refuel and take refuge.
Pro-tip: The more American-flag-themed items you wear, the better. Bonus points if you have stars and stripes on your socks, hat and glasses.
Type #2: The slightly more serious fan
Recommendation: Fütbol Club Eatery & Tap (Overland Park, Kansas)
True to its namesake, Fütbol Club Eatery & Tap is all fütbol all the time. Proudly sporting the title of America’s first soccer-themed restaurant and bar, this place doesn’t mess around when it comes to the world’s most popular sport. It doesn’t hurt that Sporting KC stars are known to drop by on occasion and the eatery made Travel Channel’s list of Best US Bars to Watch the World Cup. However, you can still get your soccer fix long after the tournament has ended—they show live matches every day from leagues around the world.
And just in case you needed a reason to order another round, Fütbol Club Eatery & Tap donates 1 percent of all sales back to youth soccer clubs in the metro area. We’ll drink to that!
Photos courtesy of Fütbol Club Eatery & Tap (Overland Park, Kansas)
Type #3: The chill fan
Recommendation: Johnny’s Tavern (Multiple locations)
Not to say things can’t get rowdy at Johnny’s Tavern, but the friendly, neighborhood atmosphere is sometimes just what the sports doctor ordered. And with six locations around town, there’s almost always a Johnny’s where you need one. If you’re in Shawnee the next time our red, white and blue boys hit the field, check out the brand, spanking new tavern in town. That’s right, the 17-year-old Shawnee bar jumped across the street to the south side of Shawnee Mission Parkway. It’s rumored to be even bigger and better—there’s only one way to find out.
Photo courtesy of “the new” Johnny’s Tavern (Shawnee, Kansas)
Type #4: The workaholic fan
Recommendation: A work-while-you-watch party
What?! What do you mean you have to work during the World Cup games?! Didn’t you show your boss the letter from head coach Klinsmann excusing you for the day? Ok, ok, you’ll just have to figure out a Plan B that doesn’t involve a bar. How about you bust out the old projector and watch while you work? That way, you won’t be adding to the approximately $1.68 billion lost in productivity in the U.S. these past two weeks. This is what we call a win-win—and that’s something to celebrate.
Where’s your favorite place to watch the World Cup games? Tell us in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you. In the meantime we’re going practice chanting, “U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!”
Photo courtesy of Myron Liu (Turn the Page Online Marketing)
