Going to Kansas City? The ‘City of Fountains’ bubbles with champs!
If you’re going to Kansas City, you should know that this iconic mid-western destination brims with over 200 fountains, purportedly the second-most in the world. Kansas City also sparkles with a list of sports’ stars, some of soccer’s best players and back-to-back National Women’s Soccer Championships, thanks to the FC Kansas City “Blues.” Captain of FC Kansas City is Becky Sauerbrunn, who has been with the team since the NWSL’s inaugural 2013 season. You may have seen her with World Cup mates on the recent Comedy Central video highlighting women’s soccer pay disparities as told (comedically) by a few of the players who are going to the mat for equal pay.
Last year, the powerhouse Blues sent four players to the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team that won the 2015 FIFA World Cup in Canada. We caught up with two home-grown FC Kansas City players to get the inside story on spots that local pros recommend.
- Take it Outside: Both Midfielder Frances Silva and second-year forward Shea Groom give thumbs-up to Shawnee Mission park, Shea on the recommendation of her blue-heeler and both women on the strength of the park’s kayaking merits. Closer to mid-town, Groom likes what Loose Park offers; a great place to hang out with friends, feed the ducks, play games or just relax in your hammock and read.
- Deals: “The Country Club Plaza has a variety of stores and restaurants. I love being under the Plaza lights in the winter and seeing the fountains in the summer. It's definitely a ‘must-visit’ spot while in Kansas City.” says Shea Groom.
- Dish: Kansas City is renowned for distinctive barbecue. Both Silva and Groom recommend Joe’s Kansas City Barbecue (Shea specifically suggests trying the Z-Man) or Jack Stack Barbecue on the Plaza for great eats. Q39 is pulling in the raves, especially for its burnt ends specialties.
- Do Not Miss: The much-beloved Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Free admission, pay to park.
- Drink: Beer Kitchen, Ça-Va and Julep will keep you happy in gayest Westport, known for nightlife and sporting a perpetual buzz.
- Dream: The new AC Hotel by Marriott brings it with sleek design and an engaging and well-informed front desk staff. The hotel offers free shuttle service anywhere within a 3-mile radius, so it’s possible to catch a ride to see the FC Kansas City play at Swope Park Village. Hotel Sorella on the Plaza greets you with the biggest, gayest Murano chandelier ever, keeps you close to swank shopping and serves up sweet views and memorable Mediterranean fare at posh Bar Rosso.
- Dig In: To the city’s championship sports’ power. If you’re a baseball fan in addition to a soccer savant, several of FC Kansas City’s games would allow you to catch soccer one night and a home game of the Kansas City Royals(2015 World Series winners) on a night before or after. (Inside tip: check out the Negro League Baseball Museum at 18th and Vine for a lesser-known slice of baseball history, then stroll down the street for jazz most nights of the week.)
KC boasts a new streetcar, free to ride and connecting two miles of popular points in the city from the River Market area to Art-Deco delights of the Power and Light District to Union Station.
This Kansas City LGBTQ-friendly resource will come in handy as you check the local scene for women-centric calendar events that coincide with the Blues’ home schedule. While the league is still in growth mode, individual tickets are typically available for purchase (855.452.4625) even for same-day play. Catch their next home games on May 13 and 28, 2016 on live-feed or better yet, live from a city Condé Nast declares one of the most “under-rated LGBT destinations in America.”
You can read more about Lula and her Portland-based mystery series here.