The World Cup is less than a month away. How are we feeling, Johnson County?
Readers of the Johnson County Post have been responding to that question with something that generally falls between a “boo-ya” and “bah humbug.”
Last month, the Post asked readers for their thoughts about the upcoming international soccer tournament that’s been relentlessly hyped for the past year. The poll got 417 responses.
The results of this unscientific poll showed a remarkably even division among attitudes.
About 18% were “all in” on the tournament — the same percentage as those who were nervous about it and slightly fewer than those with no interest.
About 23% of respondents expressed views that could be considered “cautiously optimistic,” roughly balanced by 21% who were “totally out.”
But if one word summarizes Johnson Countians’ feelings, overall, it’s … anxious.
Whether they believe the tournament will be a boon or a bust, whether they believe it will be fun or just a giant pain, many respondents expressed nervousness for how it will turn out and what it will mean for the metro.
Kansas City, the smallest host city, will be the training base area for four teams, including the three-time champion Argentina. (Meanwhile, England will reportedly lodge at The Inn at Meadowbrook in Prairie Village, while they train in Kansas City, Missouri.)
Hundreds of thousands of expected visitors, a public transportation system rejiggered to put more bus options in Johnson County so those visitors can get to the matches at Arrowhead, big-screen fan festivals taking place all over the county, the small businesses.
What’s to worry about? Everything, apparently. Here’s a sampling…
What if no one comes?
Local World Cup organizers have consistently said to expect 650,000 visitors for the tournament — a mind-boggling figure even if the visits are spread out over the course of roughly a month.
But a recent surge of doubt about that estimate permeates some of the written comments submitted by readers.
“If KC gets 650,000 unique visitors, I’ll eat my lawnmower,” wrote Eric, of Overland Park, calling the frequently cited figure a “scam” by international tournament organizer FIFA “and the politicians running KC.”
John H., of Leawood, has a similarly strong opinion.
“Anyone who thinks 650,000 are coming for the World Cup should lose their job and or issue an apology for being so wrong,” he wrote, urging a follow-up story with the final visitor numbers, accompanied by the words “wrong” and “apology” in the headline.
And Justin, of Mission Hills, cites fuel and ticket expenses as well as light inbound flight traffic.
“I am not sure anyone is coming,” he says.
Several people expressed displeasure with FIFA for ticketing that they say will price most people out of attending a game.
“Most people can’t afford even the least expensive tickets,” wrote Mary, of Olathe. “Honestly, I am beginning to feel like the whole thing may end up being a big bust.”
Danny, of Leawood, said this will be the fourth World Cup he has attended but called the prices “highway robbery”.
“I don’t think anywhere near the 650,000 people that are expected will come,” he added. “I am hoping stadiums are half empty just to spite FIFA.”
Some of the respondents referenced a surge of reporting in news outlets and social media about unexpectedly low hotel bookings this close to the first match.
A widely reported April analysis from the American Hotel and Lodging Association said in the Kansas City area, 85 to 90% of respondents to their market survey reported bookings that were behind a typical June or July without special events.
Mark, of Lenexa, and Janell, of Olathe, wrote that they doubt the area will see the expected economic impact organizers promise.
“In fact, I think there are many in the hospitality industry that will lose money over staffing for people who just aren’t coming,” Janell says.
Mark urged people to adjust their expectations on “reality versus hype.”
Ron Steinmetz, of Prairie Village, predicted disappointment in the turnout after all the planning.
But organizers from KC2026 and Visit KC are standing by their numbers.
At a recent press conference, Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026, cited match and FIFA Fan Fest ticket sales and registration trends, along with airline capacity and bookings, as positive signs.
Will it be safe?
Even some of the most optimistic survey respondents had this worry.
In many cases, it was tied to national events such as the war in Iran and Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention operations ongoing in the U.S.
Some feared terrorists could be attracted to the tournament and wondered if local emergency responders were ready.
Others mentioned extended bar hours, unfamiliar drivers navigating Kansas City-area traffic and the specter of “soccer hooligans.”
Some respondents were worried enough to say they would stay away from World Cup events or even leave town during the tournament.
“I will avoid downtown like the plague, if I cannot arrange to be out of town altogether,” said Paul, of Lenexa.
Mara wondered if the area is prepared for “terrorist and/or lone wolf crazies trying to get their fifteen minutes of fame at the expense of innocent lives.”
Mary, of Olathe, said anti-immigrant sentiment could affect turnout.
“If I were a person with brown skin and an accent, I would not want to take the risk of coming here and getting detained,” she said.
Matt, of Overland Park, noted that Kansas City has more matches than any other small city. He said he is excited for the World Cup, but “from a security perspective I am very concerned that we are not sufficiently prepared. We are currently in a conflict with one of the world’s most prolific supporters of terrorism and the World Cup is an ideal target for any group looking to discredit and humiliate the US on the world stage.”
For others, the chief safety concern was in traffic accidents and extended drinking hours.
Nancy, of Overland Park, said she lived for 10 years in Europe, where large soccer matches often brought loud, drunken crowds.
“We are planning to be on a family vacay during the World Cup,” she wrote.
Kansas and Missouri both have state laws allowing bars to operate for 23 hours a day during the World Cup, however Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas is pushing for shorter hours.
In Johnson County, so far Merriam has approved the temporary longer hours, from 6 a.m. to 5 a.m.
“It actually frightens me,” says Gayle, of Overland Park, who noted that the matches don’t range over many time zones.
Will there be enough transportation?
Many respondents mentioned worries about getting around town, road construction and whether unfamiliar drivers and extra traffic would result in accidents and traffic jams.
In fact, the transportation infrastructure was a big concern as city and county leaders began planning for the tournament, Johnson County Commission Chair Mike Kelly said recently.
Since then, a regional, World Cup-specific bus system has been added to get people to key points, including the downtown FIFA Fan Festival, matches at Arrowhead Stadium and other key locations around the metro.
Johnson County will run a new circulator route bringing fans to businesses as well as a drop-and-ride service to Kansas City International Airport.
Some readers asked for live updates on road construction and heavy traffic around events, and others worried that the changes in bus routes would come at the expense of families that rely on buses to get around.
“After this month, I see ruin for our families,” wrote Maureen. She said costs would be high for people, “while those barely making it can afford to even park near their job. While leaders are patting themselves on the back our Johnson County will see more poor after the World Cup.”
Road construction on Interstate 35 was a top concern for Jakob, of Overland Park.
“I hope this event shows that KC can, in fact, have public transit,” he wrote. “But it definitely might be chaos.”
Will they like us?
Even the people with some of the most optimistic outlooks worried about how Johnson County and Kansas City would come off.
Several asked people to show Midwestern hospitality and kindness, noting the world will be watching.
Karin, of Mission, urged a cleanup of trash, construction clutter and clogged storm drains. Alice, of Overland Park, hoped that residents would be able to communicate with non-English speaking visitors about bus routes.
Others said they hope people can shake some of the negativity.
“My concern is the get-off-my-lawn and not-in-my-backyard crowd ruin it for all our visitors and locals,” said Bob, of Mission Hills.
Brandie, of Lenexa, said the event will likely be a test of patience and problem-solving skills.
“So the only concern I have is that we fail them (and ourselves) by being rude, disorganized and impatient. It’s only a month, and there is a finish line. Let’s get through it enthusiastically and peacefully,” she wrote.
Jan offered this closing thought.
“We all just need to take a deep breath and enjoy the influx of different nationalities of people coming to our region. There will be the opportunity to meet people and have experiences we might not ever have. Have grace, be kind and enjoy the moment.”
