Going to FIFA Fan Fest in Kansas City? Here’s what you can’t bring inside
The FIFA Fan Festival at the National World War I Museum & Memorial is about to open its gates to the world, and tens of thousands of fans are gearing up to check out the sights and sounds planned in the heart of Kansas City.
Before congregating on the museum grounds to enjoy performances from the likes of Tech N9ne, The Chainsmokers, Sheryl Crow, Flo Rida and The All-American Rejects or taking in the action showcased on the big screen, visitors should be aware of what they can and can’t bring inside the festival grounds.
Officials with FIFA Fan Fest say the area will have a fenced perimeter, and all guests will be subject to security screening protocols, including metal detectors and a clear bag policy similar to what will be implemented at Kansas City Stadium during the six matches.
The Fan Festival will be capped at 25,000 attendees at one time, according to organizers, and if you’re planning to be one of those at any time while it’s open over the next six weeks, here’s what items are not allowed inside.
What items are not permitted inside FIFA Fan Festival
Items such as weapons and professional cameras will not be allowed on the festival grounds, so visitors will want to leave these items at home when they attend the FIFA Fan Festival; security will ask you to take such an item back and not allow you inside the festival if you show up with it.
Here’s a breakdown of what isn’t permitted inside:
- Firearms, knives, bladed weapons, ammunition or components of guns
- Explosives, like fireworks, flares, smoke bombs or compressed liquids
- Pepper spray, tasers and martial arts weapons
- Chains, metal rods or poles over one meter
- Projectiles, lighters, bottles, helmets, or hard hats
- Any kind of work tools, like hammers or nails
- Body protection gear or corsets (other than medical corsets)
- Backpacks and large bags
- Hard-sided bags or luggage
- Opaque containers
- Professional cameras with detachable lenses
- Tripods, selfie sticks, GoPro mounts
- Drones and aerial devices
- Laser pointers
- Vuvuzelas, air horns, whistles and megaphones
- Unauthorized musical instruments
- Glass bottles and containers
- Metal bottles
- Liquids over 100 milliliters (except plastic bottles for refill)
- Illegal drugs and substances
- Outside foods, drinks or alcohol
- Flammable substances and large permanent markers
- Umbrellas
- Banners and flags larger than 5 feet by 6 feet
- Political or offensive language
- Animals (except service animals requiring only verbal confirmation)
- Sports equipment including inflatable balls, kites, frisbees or darts
- Bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards or scooters
FIFA officials say exceptions to the prohibited item list include prescription drugs; strollers and diaper bags; and medically necessary bags after they’re inspected by security.
Unlike at the stadium, empty, reusable water bottles are allowed inside the Fan Fest. Any other object not listed that could, in the opinion of event organizers, be considered a weapon, will also not be allowed inside.
Clear bags measuring up to 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches will be permitted, along with diaper bags and medically necessary bags. Non-clear bags must not exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. All bags will be subject to search upon entry.
When is FIFA Fan Festival open?
FIFA Fan Festival will be open on these dates throughout the global soccer tournaments. The dates are tied to the six games played in Kansas City, and all feature a different theme:
- Heartland Hello: June 11-16
- Sports Town USA: June 19-21
- The World’s Game: June 24-27
- Home Team: July 3-5
- KC Creates: July 9-11
Opening and closing times vary by the day.
