Orlando City visits Kansas City for the first Western Conference road trip of the season. And while Kansas Citians will still defend their smoked meats until they’re blue in the face, these days they have so much more to offer.
The Venue
Sporting Kansas City play inside Children’s Mercy Park, a soccer-specific stadium that has a seating capacity of 18,467 but can expand up to 25,000. The stadium has hosted a number of International matches, the MLS All-Star Game and CONCACAF.
The supporters of Sporting KC sit in both the North and South ends of the stadium, but when you have TEN supporter groups you need to find room to accommodate them. But seriously, ten supporter groups is a bit obnoxious.
Things to do
Liberty Memorial
Take in a history lesson and visit the world-famous Liberty Memorial that was dedicated “in honor of those who served in World War One in defense of liberty and our country.” It remains today as this nation’s only major memorial and museum specializing in the Great War of 1914-1918.
Kauffman Stadium
Grab your peanuts, cracker jacks and a beer (or three) and take in a game as the current World Series champs host the Atlanta Braves.
Country Club Plaza
No trip to Kansas City is complete without shopping on the Plaza. A 15-block area made up of boutiques, sidewalk cafes and patios. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take in the sights and sounds on a horse-drawn carriage or a gondola float on the adjacent Brush Creek. It’s been dubbed as the “Rodeo Drive of the West,” so take that for what it’s worth.
Restaurants and Bars
LC’s Bar-B-Q
Don’t even bother looking at the menu because I’m telling you to order the burnt end sandwich. Don’t fret about the mess you’re going to make on your hands and face: there is a reason there are rolls of paper towels on every table.
Voltaire
This is for all of my Whiskey Lovers out there. Voltaire has a serious whiskey list that’s a mile long: from Bulleit Bourbon to Woodford Reserve. Stay for the global menu of bistro dishes, but all you should care about is the Adult S’mores for dessert. The décor is the definition of masculine and old school: exposed brick wall, leather booths and vintage tiled floor.
Kansas City Bier Company
If you don’t like Whiskey, then I hope you like beer and if you don’t like beer than you’re SOL. Check out the Kansas City Bier Company who has embraced German brews with a vengeance. With the use of traditional German ingredients and brewing methods, KCBC has concocted new classics like Hefeweizeen and Doppelbock to rave reviews.
