KSHB 41 reporter Marlon Martinez covers Platte and Clay counties in Missouri. Share your story idea with Marlon.
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There are over 300 days until the FIFA World Cup takes over Kansas City, but cities around the metro, like Riverside, are not wasting time.
Kansas City might be the smallest city to host the biggest soccer event around the world, but the excitement in the metro doesn't fall short.
“This is bigger than anything I ever expected. In my 20 years as mayor here, this is probably the most exciting time to be mayor of Riverside," said Riverside Mayor Kathy Rose.
Riverside, located not too far from Kansas City, is already thinking ahead on ways to highlight the city during this month-long event.
Mayor Rose said many developments are in the works ahead of the World Cup, like the new LiveNation Amphitheater set to open in April 2026.
Her biggest goal is for people to remember their time in Riverside.
"I want a welcoming and inviting feeling to anybody that comes into our region during that time," Rose said. "We’re going to do something different and set a different stage for other future events to happen."
While FIFA World Cup officials have not announced team base camp locations in Kansas City, the KC Current training facility in Riverside has been a top contender.
RELATED | KC Current training center being considered for World Cup team base camp
Many businesses in the area are preparing for the surge of fans following their national team.
“I'm not sure exactly what to expect yet. A little more of that will come when we know what teams will be hosted here, and we have a few things up our sleeve that we would like to do in preparation for that," said Jennifer Fuller, co-owner of the Sorted Brick.
The Sorted Brick, located on NW Gateway, is just a few miles down the road from the training facility and LiveNation Amphitheater.
Fuller said this event will bring foot traffic for small businesses.
"It's going to be huge, and it's really going to have an impact, especially with Lego being a universal language," Fuller said. "With a lot of the international visitors that we have coming, it will be interesting to see, and that will have an impact on our bottom line and on what we're offering."
Fuller, alongside co-owner Lisa Burgrud, said they're pulling several ideas to bring an unforgettable experience for each customer next year.
“We're ready for it," Fuller said. "We have had people from all over the world here in our little store."
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