KANSAS CITY, Ks. (KCTV) – Dozens of families gathered Thursday at Memorial Hall as Kansas City, Kansas prepares to host nine World Cup watch parties this summer.
South Africans and Mexicans were among those who attended the event at the downtown venue.
“This is a big event, and I'm proud of the city. I think we have a lot to offer,†said Gabriel Hurtado, a Mexican-American attendee.
For families at the event, the watch parties represent more than soccer.
Six-year-old Shanaya, a South African-American, came to support her cousin.
“Because I can celebrate my best cousin,†Shanaya said when asked why she was excited about the World Cup.
Visit Kansas City, Kansas in partnership with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, will host the “Kick It in KCK†watch parties at Memorial Hall.
The events will take place across eight dates and feature six Spanish-language and three English-language watch parties.
“It celebrates that diversity, but there's also the nine watch parties that we are hosting across eight days. Six are in Spanish, so that kind of recognizes our passionate soccer fans and our passionate, diverse communities,†said Ritz Dasgupta of Visit Kansas City Kansas.
The free public watch parties will show live viewings of FIFA World Cup 26 matches and will spotlight KCK sister cities countries including Mexico, Argentina and Austria.
Memorial Hall has hosted concerts, sporting events and civic gatherings for more than 100 years. The venue seats up to 3,000 people.
Matches will be shown on a 22.5-foot diagonal projection screen above the main stage and two 13-foot-7-inch LED screens mounted on each side of the venue. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and the events will include pre-match entertainment.
On five dates, the One World Wyandotte Street Festival will be held along 7th Street in front of Memorial Hall and the Unified Government Municipal Building.
The festival is part of Mayor Christal E. Watson's “One World Wyandotte†initiative, which highlights the cultures, businesses and communities that make up Wyandotte County.
The festival will be held June 11, 16, 17, 18 and 24 and will feature live entertainment, food trucks, vendors and cultural programming.
“Through our partnership with Visit KCK, we are honored to showcase everything that makes KCK special — our diverse cultures, incredible food, vibrant neighborhoods, beautiful parks, entertainment districts, local businesses, and the spirit of people who know how to come together and celebrate big moments in a big way,†Watson said. “We welcome everyone to come ‘Kick It in KCK' to feel the heart, passion, and authenticity of our community.â€
The watch parties are being organized by Visit KCK Foundation.
“Kansas City, Kansas, has long been home to passionate soccer fans and diverse communities with deep connections to the global game,†said Alan Carr, executive director of Visit Kansas City Kansas. “We look forward to giving visitors another reason to visit KCK this summer.â€
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