A love letter to Kansas City: Your welcome made us all World Cup proud | Opinion
I have lived in Kansas City for most of my adult life. However, I’ve lived outside our warm and lovable town for the past few years with only visits back now and then.
I watched the first couple weeks of the FIFA World Cup out west, through the lens of an outsider. I was continually blown away by what I saw happening in Kansas City. It was this wonderful, simmering pot of amazing Midwesterners opening their arms to welcome others, as we only know how to do. I was continually moved with goosebumps and tears.
When I came back to town, I heard the analogy that the World Cup in Kansas City is an only child — the only game in town, receiving all the attention. We have been waiting patiently for this opportunity, and over the past few weeks, everybody who arrived in our city felt the Midwestern love and hospitality.
I’ve always tried to explain to people why Kansas City is such an amazing sports town, and not just soccer town. It’s because when the Chiefs or Royals are playing, you ask people: Are you going to the game?
Like everyone in the country, I read the moving story about our college town down the street, Lawrence, literally opening its hearts and homes to Algerian players and fans. I mean who can’t love a school band in Lawrence learning the Algerian national anthem just to make the players feel at home? And Argentinians, in their baby blue and white learning to love all our barbecue options — and ranch dressing!
Do you see did this in Los Angeles or New Jersey? How could you not get choked up watching the thousands of local residents joining the orange parade with those wonderful, bonkers Netherlands fans?
I have been back in Kansas City the last 72 hours and have fallen in love with this city all over again. I went to the Fan Festival Friday night and saw thousands of people feel the love for our city (and Sheryl Crow). This weekend, I was driving down Ward Parkway and I saw a sign leaning up against a tree that said “Welcome!” in about five different languages. I smiled and just thought about the out-of-towners driving down this beautiful boulevard and seeing that.
Being back in this town brings back so many wonderful memories of World Series, and Super Bowls. However, getting to experience this event that the whole world is watching is something I’ll never forget.
The match Saturday night was magical. The volunteers — all eager and smiling, ready to help or take a picture — were the absolute epitome of Midwest hospitality. And, admittedly I was a bit envious of their roles. Who wouldn’t want to welcome strangers into their home?
I was emotional turning into the vast parking lot of Arrowhead Stadium. For these few weeks, it was Kansas City Stadium, and quite frankly, I wouldn’t mind if they kept that name. It has been the home of many sporting events and concerts, but nothing can compare to how many eyes would be on our home in these few hours.
Two moments perfectly captured the mood Saturday night. While walking to our seats a young Argentina fan was completely overcome by the moment. He asked me to take a picture of him. After, he was emotional and came in for a hug. He was like Jimmy Valvano running around after winning the NCAA Championship just looking for anyone to hug. He cried, and of course so did I.
The best was an Argentinian mom and her son sitting directly in front of us. She had bought the ticket for his graduation. After their team’s first score, this young man had beautiful tears of joy streaming down his face. A friend I was with presented them with an Argentina flag that she had brought. Earlier, she had even mentioned she was going to give it to someone. More Midwest hospitality.
Watching that mother and son embrace and cry at the final whistle is something I will never forget— and all wrapped up in their new flag, given to them by a total stranger.
That is why I love this town.
They say Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth, but for these past few weeks I truly believe Kansas City was — and I would bet all those fans would agree.
Kansas City native Kathleen Kunkler retired after a long career at Morgan Stanley. She loves her hometown Chiefs and Royals.
