Fans flock to new Kansas City Live district
A large screen above the Kansas City Live stage captivated these fans Thursday toward the end of regulation play of the Baylor-Colorado game that then went into double overtime.
Hordes of colorfully decked-out sports fans from across the Heartland descended on downtown Thursday with Big 12 basketball uppermost in their minds.
But before the games, between the games, and certainly afterward, they took in an area that has gone from ghost town during the last tournament here in 2005 to a burgeoning district with plenty of places to eat, drink and hang out.
For businesses at the Power & Light District — and those beyond — it also was game time.
Some have practiced for such crowds for months, then doubled staff and inventory this week just to make sure. So when hungry fans showed up in the zone it was a slam dunk.
“This is great, this is the best place to hold an event like this,” said Don Adams of St. Joseph, who attended the games and ate at Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant with son Brett. “I like the open atmosphere, lots of bars, lots of restaurants, lots to do.”
Adams, one of estimated 35,000 out-of-town visitors for the Big 12 tournament, was impressed enough with the district that he plans to be back. And that’s just what downtown businesses hoped to hear.
McFadden’s Sports Saloon began training for the tournament long before its November opening, sending scouts to last year’s Big 12 tournament to research traffic flow, crowd control and dining times.
So the saloon decided to serve breakfast at 8 a.m., one of the few downtown operations to do so. The decision hit nothing but net — the operation was jammed-packed until the first games started across the street at 11:30 a.m.
“We made sure we had plenty of product, altered our delivery schedules, utilized our store rooms and made sure we had plenty of Bloody Mary mix,” said Jim Watry, district manager for the Kansas City Live block. “We have a great crew and a lot of temporary help, too.”
Willie’s Kansas City sports bar, just south of the Sprint Center, was home-base for many fans throughout the afternoon. Baylor University fans took to Kansas City Cafe, making its private party room their gathering place.
Other Big 12 visitors strolled the Power & Light District or sat at outdoor patios enjoying the balmy weather along with the games, which were broadcast throughout the area.
The street-level action ebbed during the afternoon games. But fans swarmed the streets again after working hours, filling an open-air bar area on 14th Street between Grand and Walnut streets, and packing restaurants near the Sprint Center.
Scalpers held court on nearly every corner, interspersed with street musicians as they did business.
Fans praised the variety of operations — from the Bristol Seafood Grill to Raglan Road Irish pub to Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que.
Many in attendance on Thursday saw the day as a mere warmup for a long weekend basketball party.
“With 35,000 people going to be in this concentrated area it’s going to be a really great time,” said Mark Besinger of Overland Park. “I love the Power & Light District. It’s a wonderful addition.”
Mike and Lori Dickinson from Oklahoma gnawed ribs at Famous Dave’s and visited Baja 600 on the Country Club Plaza.
“This is my first visit to Kansas City and I’m impressed,” said Lori Dickinson. “The only issue I have is it is difficult transportation without paying cab fares.”
Bob Kohler, director of transportation for the Area Transportation Authority, said shuttles to satellite parking at Kemper Arena and Union Station, as well as the Country Club Plaza, were moderately busy.