Kansas City is home to tried and true sports fans. That dedicated support, along with recent big wins and a welcoming culture have catapulted our beloved town in to the national spotlight. We are finally being recognized as an athletic hub, a deserving acknowledgement. From the NFL Draft to future World Cup games and a new women’s soccer team, we are thriving and the country is taking notice.
The big name teams provide enjoyment throughout the year, but they are not the only attractions local and visiting sports fans have the opportunity to delight in. Kansas City is home to museums, full service entertainment venues and impressive arenas all dedicated to providing an all encompassing sports experience.
Where to Take Sports Fans in Kansas City
Professional Teams and Arenas
Let’s begin with the obvious, the professional and semi-professional teams and arenas. A day of tailgating and cheering for the Kansas City Royals or Chiefs is always going to be a good time. The twin stadiums and the electric atmosphere is what draws the crowds.
The KC Monarchs play great baseball, but in a more relaxed setting, in a family-friendly entertainment district, meant for shopping and eating. That same district also hosts the lively games of Sporting KC and the KC Current. Soccer fans can also head to a KC Comets game when the weather is less than ideal. When not hosting a Comets match, the same Cable-Dahmer Arena is also home to the KC Mavericks hockey team.
Kansas Speedway
The Kansas Speedway in KCK hosts several Nascar races throughout the spring and summer. Kids 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket! Make a pit stop at the kids zone if you visit.
Museums
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America. It showcases the trailblazers and celebrates their accomplishments in the face of discrimination and racism. It is a must see.
The College Basketball Experience within the T-Mobile Center is part museum, part interactive play. Fun for the entire family, guests can shoot hoops, work up a little sweat and admire some of the greats of the game.
Golf
Along with the many golf courses of the area, Top Golf in Overland Park and T-Shotz in the Northland host interactive games for players of any skill level or age. They are the perfect place to enjoy an active, family day out. Work on your back swing or choose to sit, relax and enjoy the good food and nice weather.
If putt-putt is more your speed, Prehistoric Putt is newly opened and entertaining for golfers and dinosaur lovers. Sinker’s Lounge, located downtown, serves up mini-golf and cocktails! Craft Putt in Overland Park offers a similar experience serving local beer, good food and friendly games.
Pickleball
Known as the more popular cousin of tennis, pickleball is all the rage and for good reason! It is easy to play, family-friendly and loads of fun. Kansas City has several locations in which fans can partake. Bonus, these locations also boast great food, cool drinks, additional lawn games and the perfect atmosphere to enjoy some quality time together. Chicken N Pickle has two locations, one in Overland Park and the other north of the river. Reserve ahead of time to ensure a court. Serv is the city’s newest venue that offers a food hall atmosphere where patrons can choose the genre that sounds the tastiest. There’s also a giant screen outside for live music or summer movie nights.
Adrenaline Seekers Look No Further
For those who love excitement, KC also offers options for adrenaline seekers. iFLY Indoor Skydiving will get the heart pounding without having to actually jump out of a plane! RoKC, IBEX and Sequence are all rock climbing gyms in the area that provide a great workout for adventurers.
The Pro Rodeo circuit makes it way through Kansas City often. The American Royal is the biggest rodeo event, lasting three days in May featuring events from barrel racing to bull riding. The Kansas City Outlaws are a professional bull riding team and compete all over the country. They can be seen locally a few times throughout the year.
Special Events
Set for April 28, 2023, Travis Kelce, the best tight end in the league, is hosting his first-ever promotional music festival, called Kelce Jam. The event will feature Machine Gun Kelly, Rick Ross, Loud Luxury, Tech N9ne and great food options. It is taking place the same weekend as the NFL Draft, and tickets to his inaugural event are expected to sell out.
Speaking of the NFL Draft, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans. Hosted at Union Station, the venue will house a fan experience where ticket holders can take part in an interactive football theme park, have a chance for autographs and take a picture with the Lombardi trophy. Tickets are free, but guests must pre-register.
Take it from the loudest fans in the country, Kansas City is synonymous with two things: sports and barbecue. And it’s never quite clear which ones the locals love more.
