These 52 top KC elected officials and staffers got free World Cup tickets
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Fifty-two city officials were issued free FIFA World Cup tickets as the host site.
- City Manager Mario Vasquez said ticket distribution followed the city’s ethics codes.
- All 12 council members, Vasquez, and two assistant city managers got tickets for July 11.
Dozens of Kansas City officials were provided free tickets to FIFA World Cup matches while the general public paid hundreds or thousands of dollars per ticket.
The city confirmed on Thursday that FIFA provided the tickets to the city because it is serving as one of the 16 host sites for the monthlong international soccer tournament. The city’s list of awarded tickets shows 52 different city officials receiving them, many of whom were allowed to bring a guest.
KMBC first reported the list that was obtained through a Missouri Sunshine Records request.
City Manager Mario Vasquez said in a statement provided to The Star that the “limited number of tickets” were offered to city staff and council members. He defended using the tickets, suggesting the city often received tickets to events that are sponsored or facilitated by the city. He also said allocation and distribution of the tickets followed the city’s ethics codes.
“Those tickets were distributed to members of the City Council as well as city staff, many of whom worked for years to make this event happen,” Vasquez said.
So far, four of the six World Cup matches in Kansas City have kicked off. Two more are scheduled for Friday, between Colombia and Ghana, and a quarterfinal match on July 11. That match could feature the return of Argentina, with superstar Lionel Messi and another surge of traveling fans.
Vasquez and various council members received multiple free tickets, according to the city’s list. Other officials include assistant city managers and department leaders.
For the July 11 game, all 12 City Council members, Vasquez and two assistant city managers are listed as receiving tickets to the match.
“This event has demonstrated that we can shine on the worldwide stage,” Vasquez said. “We are grateful for the effort and dedication of the many members of our team who are working tirelessly to ensure that our residents can be proud of Kansas City.”
Who has free World Cup tickets to upcoming games?
- Mario Vasquez, city manager
- Kevin O’Neill, council member
- Nathan Willett, council member
- Lindsay French, council member
- Wes Rogers, council member
- Melissa Patterson Hazley, council member
- Melissa Robinson, council member
- Crispin Rea, council member
- Eric Bunch, council member
- Darrell Curls, council member
- Ryana Parks-Shaw, council member
- Andrea Bough, council member
- Johnathan Duncan, council member
- Tammy Queen, assistant city manager
- Diane Binckley, assistant city manager
- Kimiko Gilmore, convention and entertainment facilities director
- Melissa Cooper, aviation director
- Nelson Munoz, deputy city attorney
- Kyle Elliott, planning and development director
- Uday Manepalli, deputy planning and development director
- Katherine Nace, policy director for mayor’s office
- Megan Strickland, communications director for mayor’s office
- Jason Waldron, transportation director
