An article from the Kansas City Star this morning highlights the grand opening of the Sprint Center and last night's Elton John Concert.
The story talks of the ease that people found finding parking, in spite of many other events going on inside the loop. Some found nearby parking for as little as $5. This comes as a surprise to many naysayers, but not to those who realize that there is enough parking around the Sprint Center for every concert-goer to drive three cars and park them.
And instead of coming for the concert, then leaving, restaurants report being packed with fans before and after the event. A proud server lays out his tips from a better-than-usual night.
Meanwhile, I was one of the many without tickets to the concert, but was down at the Plaza to see hoards of people milling around, an hour wait outside of Tom Fooleries at 10:00 at night and other restaurants seeming packed as many people showed for the WaterFire exhibit (that I hear was cancelled, I never made it down to check) and never left.
After touring the Sprint Center on Wednesday, hearing of the success of opening night, and the success of UMKC's first open public practice at the College Basketball Experience it's hard not to look at everything going on and saying -- you know, Kansas City may have finally done something right here.
Obviously it was one event. On one day. But it sure seems like many of the concerns were completely unfounded...and that success seems eminent.
Comments