Colombia wins, but fans from all over have ‘a great time’ in KC’s Power & Light
Colombia and Ghana fans from all over the U.S. gathered in the Power & Light District to watch their teams face off in the FIFA World Cup round of 32.
Despite the two teams going head to head, their passionate fanbases were friendly in the KC Live! block. Colombia eventually outlasted Ghana to survive the first FIFA World Cup knockout round in Kansas City Stadium, also known as Arrowhead Stadium, but those at the watch parties didn’t seem to hold a grudge.
The yellow of Colombia and Ghana jerseys mixed with other countries’ colors — Argentina, Mexico and USA — and people in heels and cowboy boots, ready for a night out at Power and Light.
No tickets, will travel
Brian Kubi of Los Angeles came to his girlfriend’s hometown of Kansas City to watch the game. Kubi was one of the few Ghana fans at the watch party, which he described as “electric.”
“It’s once in a lifetime, so no matter what happens, we’re going to enjoy it,” Kubi said.
Jessica and Garrett Jorgensen of Arkansas tried to get tickets to the match, since Jessica Jorgensen is from Colombia. But ticket prices were too high.
Unfazed, the couple decided to come to Kansas City anyway, celebrating the Fourth of July weekend with Garrett Jorgensen’s sister, who lives in Kansas City.
‘Cheering together’
This was Denver resident Lonneke van Eijk’s second visit to Kansas City for the World Cup. Originally from The Netherlands, van Eijk donned a Ghana jersey for her boyfriend’s team.
The World Cup excitement in Kansas City reminded van Eijk of soccer culture growing up in Europe.
“It’s great that the U.S. now has it,” she said.
Van Eijk drove to Kansas City last week to go to the Dutch game against Tunisia. Then she flew to Philadelphia to see Ghana play.
Jimmy Smith and Bartt Tilman traveled from Louisiana to Kansas City to support their friend Josh Block, who’s Colombian.
“They followed me,” said Block.
Smith, a Louisiana State University student, added, “Seeing people come together, we’re all cheering together, it’s a great time.”
Cheering match
Chants of “Colombia” broke out in the Power and Light District as Colombia led 1-0 going into the final 15 minutes of regulation time.
Decked in yellow jerseys, Colombia fans danced with their flags and blew their vuvuzelas.
Not to be outdone, two men in Ghana jerseys, along with an assortment of other young men, shouted “let’s go, Ghana!”
The friendly competition continued.
When Colombia missed a goal, a Ghana-clad man waved his finger in warning. A woman responded by waving a Colombia flag in his direction.
As Ghana’s chance for a goal ticked away, the Ghana faction chose the side of celebration. In the final seconds of the game, they started chanting “Colombia,” to the delight of the Colombia faithful.
Fans launched their beer in the air when the final whistle rang out. No matter their jersey, everyone was celebrating.
