World War I Museum to close for security exercise in preparation for World Cup
The grounds of the National World War I Museum and Memorial will be closed Tuesday for a law enforcement security exercise in preparation for Kansas City’s FIFA World Cup Fan Fest.
KC2026, the organization leading Kansas City’s FIFA World Cup host duties, will host the exercise in conjunction with law enforcement in preparation for the fan festival, which is slated to take place on the museum’s grounds throughout the June and July.
In a news release Friday, Lisa Belot, director of communications and media relations for KC2026, said the exercise is “designed to test communication protocols, rapid-response coordination and multi-agency integration.”
In an email sent to tenants at Crown Center, property managers said the exercise may include loud, “simulated sounds,” helicopter activity and the presence of emergency personnel. Volunteers with professional makeup will also be on site, portraying “individuals in crisis situations.”
Parking at the museum’s grounds will also be closed to the public Tuesday, according to the National World War I Museum and Memorial’s website.
The exercise is expected to end around noon Tuesday, Belot said. A news conference will be held at the Liberty Memorial Tower at 8 a.m. Tuesday regarding the exercise.
