All*Star Summer

This is an exciting summer to be a sports fan in Kansas City with the All*Star Game heading to town in just a few short days.  What’s really exciting is that the Royals are flirting with .500 so at least our city maintains a small amount of relevance in eyes of MLB faithful who will be descending upon our fair little Midwestern city.  This is really a great opportunity for Kansas City both from a national and local standpoint.  Not to mention being a potential economic boon for the city.  Seeing as how I’ve never honestly been through a sporting event like this in my lifetime, I thought it might be interesting to chronicle some of my thoughts on this. 

As baseball has no Super Bowl which is awarded to a different city each year, the All*Star Game has taken on that role.  Cities submit proposals years in advance to gain the notoriety that comes with hosting.  Kansas City has previously hosted 2 editions of the Midsummer Classic; one in the old Municipal Stadium and again at what is now known as Kauffman Stadium in 1973 when the ballpark opened.  Both editions were won by the National League. 

After the 2007 season ended, Kauffman began renovations on the stadium to bring it up to par with some of the best in MLB with the intention of hosting the Game again.  The $270 million renovation would be completed in 2009.  The iconic fountains would remain but the large dot-matrix style video board and adjoining Jumbotron was replaced with a top of the line HD screen which at the time was the largest in the world.  It has since been eclipsed by the screen at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas and a HD screen at Charlotte (NC) Motor Speedway.  In addition, new amenities such as Rivals Sports Bar, .390 Bar & Grill, and Sheridan's were opened around the stadium, the Hall Of Fame was expanded from a hallway at the old K to a full interactive building, and the previously vacant outfield has become a true midway experience complete with carousel, video games, mini golf, and the "Little K."

The All*Star Game is truly a national event and people will be here from all over the United States.  The fever has reached a peak all around the city as banners are hanging all over the Plaza and downtown area commemorating the game.  The FanFest is currently going on at Bartle Hall bringing in fans from all over and also bringing great awareness to the Boys and Girls Club of America.  The Power and Light District will be hopping on Monday evening during the Home Run Derby with free concerts by Luke Bryan, Little Big Town and many more.  Oh wait, we can’t forget about the big event of July 10, the All*Star Game.  Between taxi fees, restaurant bills, and hotel rooms to be booked, this may truly be an event that will serve to bring great economic ramifications to the city.  I think those are all of my thoughts save for one last one.  Go Royals and make us proud in the All*Star Game and Home Run Derby Billy Butler!