Hello Kansas City Supporters, A couple of friends and myself are making a point to visit each Soccer Specific Stadium in MLS, at this point doing one a year. We are from the Milwaukee area and have so far been to Toyota Park and Crew Stadium (though I've been to Pizza Hut Park as well a few times when I lived in Austin, they haven't) and are now planning on visiting the soon to be opened Livestrong Sporting Park for the July 20 friendly against Newcastle. We are all fans of the game, them a bit newer to soccer, me a lifelong player and supporter of the sport (I also have three older brothers that played professionally in the States pre-MLS and a couple of years in the minor leagues after MLS got started) and are celebrating the growth of the sport in the best way possible, watching it at proper stadia with proper supporters! Hence the writing of this post. When we visited Crew Stadium last year, we hung out with one of their supporters groups pre and post-game as well as joined them in singing chants during the game. If it's possible, we would love to do the same with The Cauldron. With that said, I have a few questions for you that I'm hoping you can help us out with: -We will probably arrive on game day, is there a pub that many of you meet at before heading out to the game? Or in the case of this stadium not yet open, is this to be determined later on? -What is a good area or even specific hotels to stay in that are in a good neighborhood and if possible, near the stadium? -Any recommendations on where to experience an authentic Kansas City BBQ? - Beyond that, any other critical information you think we should know? I appreciate your help everyone! And hopefully we'll be seeing most, if not all, of you July 20. Thanks! Simon
If you want to be with the Cauldron, then you'll want to get a member's stand ticket. That will 1) allow you into the Cauldron and 2) allow you into the Member's club, where it's expected a lot of people will hang out pregame. The other thing is that we tend to be a big tailgating city so there could possibly just be a tailgate, much of that is still to be decided and likely won't be fully decided until we see how things work out at the stadium. Staying out at the Legends area isn't a bad choice, there are some hotels within walking distance of the stadium which would save you some gas. Oklahoma Joes is always a good one. Unfortunately I think some of the finer points won't be figured out until June 9
There are hotels literally right next to the stadium. There are so many BBQ options, it depends on what you're looking for. As for pre-game plans, I'd stay tuned on the board until after the first few games.
All BBQ here is the authentic experience, just dont venture into Famous Daves or some crap like that and you will be fine in this regard. Just make sure to go to the orginal locations or older locations if possible.
I'd go to one of the KCMO Gates BBQ locations or the Arthur Bryants at 17th and Brooklyn for authentic old-school KC BBQ. Then I'd go to Jack Stack the next day for some premium KC BBQ.
I'd be inclined to budget for a rental car if you have not done so already, a cab far from the airport to downtown or from the airport to the stadium area will cost a ton more than renting and cars can be had for as little as $25 a day via Obritz right now .... it'll run you about $80-$90 total but versus cab fares it will be break even at worst.
Thanks so much for all the detailed answers, Buzz. This is great! In regards tot eh member's stand ticket, is that something we get through the FO or through any means? Also, is that in addition to a game ticket? Thanks again!
Northbank, thanks for the suggestion of the rental car and to you, SmokingPun (great name, BTW!), for the Super Shuttle idea. However - we'll be driving down from Milwaukee so that won't be an issue. Between the three or four of us, won't be a bad drive at all.
HA! I can't venture into Famous Daves even in Milwaukee. After spending three years of my life in Austin, TX, I cannot eat faux que.
Its not a bad drive at all really, I go backwards and forwards to Lake Geneva and Kenosha once in a while, I lived up that way for 8 years or so. Many a drunken night on Water Street
BBQ: Here are my three favorite places in order. Some people swear by Arthur Bryant's, but I'm just not into the thin vinegar based sauces. 1. Oklahoma Joes @ 3002 West 47th Avenue, Kansas City, KS (it's in a gas station) Get: Pork Ribs (A++ Best in town IMHO). Z-Man sandwich (A). Fries (A+). Rings (A). Skip the beans - they are not that great. 2. Jack Stack @ Freighthouse - 4747 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City, MO Get: Smoked Sausage (A+) with other meats (you can't go wrong), BEANS (this and LC's are the places to get beans) (A++), cheesy corn (A). 3. Gates @ 3205 Main Street, Kansas City, MO Get: Burnt End Sandwich (A). Rings (A) Cheap pitchers of beer (A+)
Thanks for all the details! This is great. Though being a UT alum, I'm weary of any place that has Oklahoma in its name.
Ha! Then Oklahoma Joe's it is. I appreciate all the feedback everyone. Hopefully we'll get to meet most, if not all, of you on 7/20!
You're from Milwaukee? We've got a Milwaukee branch that regularly travels and watches games together at the Highbury. They'll have a group here for the opener and Gold Cup. You might find a few interested people in sharing costs etc. http://twitter.com/#!/KCCauldronMKE
Thanks for the info on Q joints, I'm coming out in September for the Union match. I'm trying to figure out where to stay, I was thinking in the Power & Light District, I figure that puts a ton of options near by. To look at the area, it doesn't look like there's still much out by the stadium and the Speedway. Is there anywhere else I should be checking out?
There's plenty out by the Speedway, but what are you looking to do? That'll help give suggestions on places to stay...
Being in walking distance of bars and the like. I'll be getting in Thursday afternoon and will have the whole night before the match to explore. I appreciate the help!
There are a few bars around the stadium, the Yard House has 130 beers on tap. But if you're wanting more "night life" than downtown by the P&L is probably your best bet.