Red, White & Business Ready: May 5

We’re officially 37 days out. At this stage, our goal isn’t more planning — it’s staying informed and making sure Kearney is easy to find for visitors, fans, and families spending time in the metro this summer.

Here are the most important updates from the final KC2026 community briefing, plus a simple action list for local businesses and organizations.

KC2026 has outlined three ConnectKC26 services to help move people during the tournament window (details may evolve, but this is the big picture):

Service window: KC2026 notes ConnectKC26 services run June 11 – July 13 (33 days), beginning the first match day and ending two days after the last KC match.

Pass pricing (draft):

✅ Why this matters in Kearney (bedroom-community reality):

Even if visitors aren’t parking in your lot, you will get “How do we get there?” questions. Having one confident answer reduces friction for your staff and customers.

Simple staff script:

“Most people use personal vehicles or rideshare. KC is also offering tournament bus service (ConnectKC26) with passes and park-and-ride routes. The KC host site has the latest details.”

KC2026 is setting up an International Consular Services Center — a temporary shared facility where foreign governments can provide basic help to their citizens traveling in the region.

✅ Why this matters in Kearney:

If a visitor or guest gets stuck (lost passport, urgent situation, language barrier), you’ll want a calm referral option that builds confidence and keeps situations from escalating at your counter.

Healthcare partners are focused on surge planning and keeping care available for residents and visitors — and one of the most helpful things we can do is remind people to seek care in the right setting.

Urgent Care examples: back/muscle pain, bronchitis, minor cuts/burns, earache, skin conditions, sprains/joint pain, upper respiratory infection, UTI, vomiting.

Emergency Care examples: chest pain/pressure, compound fracture, head injuries, seizures, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe headache/paralysis/weakness, uncontrolled bleeding.

✅ Why this matters for businesses and churches/nonprofits:

You may be the first “adult in the room” someone asks for help. This simple distinction can prevent overcrowding and get people the right help faster.

This is the most important call-to-action for Kearney/Holt right now: you have to list yourself — and it’s worth it. Visitors can’t support what they can’t find.

KC2026’s Host City web app drives regional exploration (available at kc2026.com and inside the official tournament app).

For Missouri entities, the flow is essentially: check if you’re listed, claim or request a listing, receive portal access (allow 5–7 days), then log in to update content/media.

Event listings note: KC2026 indicates events flow from the MARC calendar into KC2026 listings, with log-in credentials and final readiness steps before June 11.

➡️ HOW TO GET LISTED – MISSOURI LOCATIONS

1. Is your business already listed? Check HERE

2. To update an existing listing, submit this Form

Within 5-7 business days you will receive an email providing you with

information to access the portal where you can edit your listing.

3. To request a new listing, submit this Form

information to access the portal where you can view and edit your listing.

NOTE: All new listings or listing changes require approval before they appear on KC2026 Host City Web App. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing and check your email in case edits are needed.

If you have additional questions, please contact Community@KansasCityfwc26.com.

This is a major local draw and an easy “low-stress” reason for people to explore Kearney. If your business is doing anything tied to hearts traffic (special, photo-op, extended hours), listing there increases your odds of being discovered.

➡️ Click Here for a link to the promotions form that your businesses can submit (one offer per month for each business - can not do multiple offers in a specific month). Businesses can submit the form with their specials/offers - once approved the promotions will then be listed on the app under the Go North KC page.

This is our local “conversion” tool. If you have anything happening this summer (specials, activations, extended hours, events, Friendship Era Tour stops, watch party tie-ins), send it in. We want people to land in Kearney and immediately see what to do next.

➡️ Email the Chamber so we can put it in the app, on the community calendar and on the Tour pages.

Go North KC provided FBI signage/posters that businesses can display to share help resources for those affected by human trafficking. Feel free to print, post, and forward.

(Thank you for helping keep our region welcoming and vigilant.)

We’re also including the International Visitor Profiles for countries playing at Arrowhead and/or base-camped in the KC area. These are great for:

Pick ONE:

Then hit reply and tell us you did it — we’ll cheer you on and help amplify.

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Key points:
- Airport Direct: KCI Airport to Downtown KC — free, requires booking, runs about every 15 minutes (schedule still being refined).
- Stadium Direct (match days only): direct service for ticketholders to Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead) — operates on the six KC match days, with 4 park-and-ride locations plus the Fan Festival connection.
- Region Direct: regional routes to/from the Fan Festival area — pass purchase required, schedule TBD, with estimated 20–30 minute frequency.
- Stadium Direct roundtrip: $15 per person
- Region Direct pass types: Day $5 / 7-Day $25 / Tournament $50 (draft pricing)
- Location: Overland Park Convention Center (Kansas)
- Timeframe: ~June 11 – July 13, 2026
- What it’s for: lost/stolen passports, emergency travel documents, help for detained or hospitalized citizens, travel documentation guidance, family notification support, and coordination with local authorities/medical providers.
- Important note: Consular staff do not replace local emergency services — they help citizens navigate local systems.
- a quick staff huddle
- a front desk/counter reference
- customer service confidence (fan culture + helpful phrases)
- Claim/update your KC2026 listing OR
- Submit your event/special to Visit Kearney OR
- List your activation in Parade of Hearts