According to the report, organizers said the heart is meant to reflect the city’s hospitality and serve as a backdrop for the event. The installation was designed by Populous, described by KSHB as a Kansas City-based firm that also led creation of the Fan Fest and has worked on World Cup venues and other sports properties.
The event opened Thursday with fans gathered for the opening game, and continued Friday ahead of the U.S. men’s national team’s game against Paraguay. KSHB reported that the heart imagery connects with a broader campaign seen around the area, including by a Lawrence resident who noted similar hearts as far away as Eudora.
Fan Fest was scheduled to continue for 16 more days after Friday, with performance schedules listed by KC2026.