Kansas City’s got a big heart — 65 feet. So where should we put it?
The 65-foot entrance to Kansas City’s World Cup Fan Fest gives new meaning to the expression, “having a big heart.”
And now that Fan Fest has been dismantled as the tournament rolls to an end, many have been asking what will happen to The Heart of the Game, the big red heart that became emblematic of this year’s games, and the backdrop for so many photo opportunities for fans from many nations. Thousands passed under the giant heart-shaped arch.
There are several reasons why that beautiful red heart should remain in Kansas City. After all, we are considered to be the heart of the nation. And throughout the FIFA tournament, Kansas City was widely praised by international visitors, players and media as the most welcoming and hospitable host city, albeit the smallest.
The heart-shaped arch — constructed with a structural steel framework and clad with durable exterior materials, and designed by Populous — “has become an icon in Kansas City in just a matter of weeks,” Mayor Quinton Lucas recently told members of the press. “I expect it to stay. I don’t just expect it, actually — it is staying.”
He said the heart will serve as a lasting memory of the 26 days that Kansas City came together to show its heart to the world and be the great host it promised it would be when FIFA called its name four years ago.
If the heart sculpture is staying in Kansas City — and I, of course, think it belongs here in the heartland — some have suggested it remain exactly where it is on the grounds around the iconic National World War I Museum and Memorial.
I think it certainly should be displayed prominently as a forever welcome sign and a symbol of Kansas City’s Midwestern kindness. Of course, that means we would need to live up to that, right?
Keeping it there isn’t a bad idea, but I have some other thoughts. What about Mill Creek Park at the eastern edge of the Country Club Plaza, where a variety of groups gather to rally for rights, liberties and accountability? I see the heart, in those cases, reminding people that while human rights are worth fighting for, peaceful protest is imperative.
Or, how about in the median of the road entering Kansas City International Airport? I think that’s a great spot to display a “Welcome to the heart of America” symbol — almost like a great big hug for our visitors.
Or, what about Washington Square Park across Main Street from Union Station? Since it didn’t get a new Royals stadium, how about a heart-shaped archway? I could see it becoming the media shot broadcast around the country on game days.
Those are just a few ideas off the top of my head, but what do you think? The Star would love to hear from readers about where in Kansas City they think The Heart of the Game should stand and why.
