What is a World Cup game in Kansas City like? Our thoughts after Game 3
It’s weird to say that my first time at Arrowhead Stadium was for a soccer game. Or that it was known as Kansas City Stadium when I was there. But it was certainly a once in a lifetime experience to watch a World Cup game there.
The Netherlands and Tunisia FIFA World Cup match Thursday was special in its own way. No, there wasn’t a hat trick from the GOAT, nor were there 15 saves from a 37-year-old goalie. But it was a match that felt like you were on the Netherlands’ home turf, with the Dutch fans doing their “Links Rechts” tradition, immersed in an obnoxious amount of orange.
And that’s been the intriguing part of these World Cup games in Kansas City: You’re bound to see something you’re not used to, and you’re going to have a blast being a part of it.
Fans on both sides were into it the whole way. There was a fan wave that went around the stadium about five times. I honestly believe if it wasn’t for the game’s first hydration break, they would’ve been doing that until halftime.
You can’t stop the rain, nor the Dutch fans’ pride
Thursday was a day that could have been a miserable experience, as the constant rainfall and dark skies made it seem like this match might get pushed back a few hours. Fans were even warned to take cover somewhere in the stadium prior to game time. But once it was about an hour before game time, nothing could stop the energy that folks were about to feel.
Walking around Arrowhead prior to a World Cup match, you’re bound to meet someone from another country who has a different perspective than yours. One fan that caught my eye was Wouter Tel, a Dutch fan who came from the Netherlands to KC, to support his team.
Donning a loud orange and curly wig, Tel commended KC for its hospitality as a host city. He was in the Orange Walk downtown prior to the match, and was surprised at how many Americans participated in the tradition.
“It was amazing to see how many people visited that. Back home, it’s not that much,” Tel said, who was also impressed with Arrowhead, saying it’s bigger than the stadiums back home.
When I asked him what’s something about Americans that he found interesting, he was impressed with how they easily adapt to the Dutch fans and suit up in the orange gear.
It was impressive seeing that many fans supporting the Netherlands in the stadium. One guy was even wearing a Baltimore Orioles shirt just to make sure he was fitting in. These Kansas City World Cup games have shown just how invested folks are when it comes to soccer, regardless of where they’re from or who they’re watching play.
Kansas City Stadium has been a respectable host for World Cup games
There’s been a lot of history inside Arrowhead. Legendary acts like Michael Jackson and The Rolling Stones have put on unforgettable performances inside the bowl. The Kansas City Chiefs have hosted multiple AFC Championships at Arrowhead that have led to Super Bowl wins.
But the World Cup is a different animal. People weren’t lying when they said the world is coming to Kansas City. And aside from the bumpy start, Arrowhead has handled the world soundly.
The Kansas City World Cup games do a good job of mixing KC culture with the world’s culture. Like when the Star Spangled Banner was being played and fans still say “home of the Chiefs” to conclude the song. World Cup games also play a specific jingle for the team that scores, giving them a moment to party after a goals. Dutch fans did quite a bit of partying Thursday when the Netherlands won 3-1 again Tunisia.
While it might seem like this game was dominated on all fronts by the Netherlands, Tunisia fans still showed up for their team. Nabel Elshaari was visiting Kansas City from California, but is originally from Libya, a country in North Africa.
Prior to the game, he didn’t have the highest hopes for Tunisia. Going into the match, the team had already been eliminated from contention for a spot in the knockout round. None of this spoiled his spirit of being at a World Cup game, and he has been impressed with what KC has been able to do with a World Cup.
“Whoever was able to do this, I’m just going to tell you that it’s fantastic. Nobody expects Kansas City to host something like this,” Elshaari said. “I didn’t think this of Kansas City. But for the fact that they were able to do this, hats off to them.”
While the stadium has been a good host for the World Cup, that isn’t an excuse for some of these food prices. As one who likes to go to sporting events and concerts, I know I’m going to have to spend some extra money if I want something to eat or drink.
But some of these food prices are unreal. $14 for a jumbo hot dog? $17.59 for a burger? I can only imagine how high some of these prices are when Chiefs season rolls around.
If you can go to a World Cup game... make it happen
By the time you read this, there will only be three more World Cup games happening in Kansas City. I know, those ticket prices are going to be ridiculous once it gets to the Round of 32 and quarterfinals. But if you can afford it, or if you are a crazy sports fan, that’s an investment you might want to consider.
Being inside Arrowhead during Thursdays match felt less of a sports game, and more of a historical moment. Was the game kinda boring in the second half while it was pouring? Sure. Yet, I still couldn’t believe this was a match that was actually happening in the city I live in.
The World Cup has already brought energy across KC that almost felt needed after a down year for the Chiefs. And that same feeling was felt inside Kansas City Stadium, when 68,391 people packed it out.
The last time the U.S. hosted the World Cup was in 1994. I wasn’t even alive yet. No country has ever hosted a World Cup in back-to-back tournaments. Basically, you might never get a chance to catch a game in the U.S. for a long time.
And I’ve heard all the discourse — “Kansas City isn’t ready for a World Cup. It’ll be a flop.” Thursday’s game showed how reality is a lot different from these takes folks been having.
So let’s enjoy this moment, Kansas City. Because when it’s gone, you’re probably going to wish you didn’t take this for granted.
