Storms force early closure of FIFA Fan Festival as thousands of Dutch fans flood Kansas City streets
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
With severe weather approaching Kansas City, the FIFA Fan Festival closed at 2 p.m. as a precaution. Minutes later, thunder was heard in the area, followed by a sudden downpour as the skies opened up.
However, the looming rain did little to dampen the spirits of thousands of Dutch supporters who took to the streets in a march stretching more than a mile and a half through downtown Kansas City.
Known as the Oranje Army, fans filled the streets with color and energy during their traditional fan walk to the stadium ahead of the Netherlands’ match against Tunisia.
Many of those same fans had attended the FIFA Fan Festival later in the day, and the approaching storms did little to dampen their spirits. Fans were seen dancing and chanting, even after the announcement that Fan Fest was closing early.
“Look at Kansas City. What an amazing city to support the sport of soccer,” Kriston Kaylor, a Kansas City resident who was a part of the march, said. “Now we just move to the city and support all of the vendors there.”
FIFA Fan Festival officials told ABC 17 News that, under standard safety protocols, organizers make announcements over the public address system when severe weather is approaching, with the goal of clearing fans from the area before storms arrive.
Reasons for shutting down Fanfest include a lightning strike within eight miles, a wind gust over 30 mph or if there is a threat of severe storms in the area.
However, officials told ABC 17 News that if organizers are unable to clear the event in time, a designated storm shelter is available at an undisclosed location in case of emergency. They added that the location is not being made public due to security concerns.
Fan Festival has drawn massive crowds throughout the tournament. As of Tuesday, organizers say it has welcomed 147,000 visitors.
The thousands of Dutch fans who descended on Kansas City will only add to that total. Barnett Thompson said he made his first trip to Fanfest on Thursday with his son after seeing the Oranje Army.
“My son’s really big into soccer and thought it would be a cool experience. It’s cool seeing Kansas City get an opportunity like this. We saw the Oranje Army, and though it’s going to bring a lot of people out, Thompson said. “I don’t think [the rain] even matters. We are just happy to be here and are going to enjoy downtown Kansas City.
