Bars, restaurants, and watch parties across the Kansas City metro are reporting a surge in customers as FIFA World Cup fans visit the area. Some venues are extending hours to handle demand, including one arcade bar that has kept crowds nonstop since Argentina’s opening-match win Tuesday night.
The impact was on display Wednesday at the first One World Wyandotte Street Festival in downtown Kansas City, Kansas, where fans gathered to celebrate the tournament and watch matches. At Up-Down KC in the Crossroads Arts District, the venue has seen heavy attendance after Argentina’s opening-match result, and crowds have been large enough that it temporarily ran out of Modelo beer. Up-Down is participating in a program that allows 16 Kansas City bars to remain open until 5 a.m. during the World Cup.
Managers say the extended hours create different operating challenges than other major sports events, with a focus on keeping patrons happy and safe. Crowds are also expected to continue this week with additional watch parties, including Friday’s match between the United States and Australia.