Is a fan march better than a Super Bowl parade?

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has joined three Super Bowl parades and a World Series parade, celebrating the achievements of his local teams, the Chiefs and the Royals.

However, the spectacle of Dutch fans parading through downtown Kansas City, Missouri, before their team’s game at Arrowhead Stadium on June 25, left a lasting impression on him.

“It is special and different,” Lucas remarked, careful not to upset local team supporters.

On Friday, Kansas City is set to host a pivotal knockout round match between Colombia and Ghana. Lucas played a crucial role in securing this event, significantly contributing to Kansas City’s successful bid to bring the World Cup to Missouri. He is now savoring the festivities, dancing with Dutch fans to “Links Recht,” waving an Ecuadorian flag, and joining Mexican fans in celebration.

As with many host cities, Kansas City faced criticism ahead of the games regarding the daunting task of managing thousands of fans traveling to a stadium more accustomed to tailgaters than international visitors, high ticket prices, and disappointing hotel bookings.

These concerns seem to have faded with the influx of fans, sparking a cultural exchange that inspired the University of Kansas marching band to learn the Algerian national anthem. In Boston, police watched as Scots adorned city statues with traffic cones, and in Philadelphia, French visitors were bewildered by the local custom of ending interactions with “Go Birds.”

“I think it’s a huge win for us,” Lucas stated. “Despite some debate over whether American cities should host World Cup events, I have never doubted our decision, and I certainly don’t now.”

Kansas City stands as the sole Midwestern city hosting games after Chicago opted not to bid. Lucas highlighted that representing the heart of the country has allowed Kansas City to act as “central diplomats” for the U.S., welcoming international fans with barbecue and block parties.

“Say what you will about what happens in corridors in Washington, Brussels or beyond,” Lucas said. “We’ve had the chance to share the best of America. And I think the best of America is its welcoming environment.”