Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department (JCPRD) requested July 17 that the Board of County Commissioners reallocate and expend $291,968 in county general fund reserves to purchase an LED display, sound equipment and technical infrastructure to support a World Cup 2026 watch site at Theatre in the Park.

Jeff Stewart, JCPRD executive director, said the proposed 20-by-30-foot LED screen and related equipment would allow Theatre in the Park to serve as a signature public watch site for the expected regional visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and that the equipment would be mobile and usable for multiple events over an estimated eight-year life span. "Purchasing would allow for continued use multiple times per year," Stewart said; he added that leasing estimates exceeded $170,000 plus labor and technical support and that lead time to receive equipment is about eight months.

Stewart said JCPRD would be responsible for operations, maintenance, repairs and eventual replacement; he estimated additional staffing and operations costs for the watch events at a minimum of about $500,000, to be offset in part by vendor revenues, sponsorships and concessions. Commissioners discussed sponsorship opportunities, technical connectivity for live broadcasts and whether JCPRD had existing equipment; staff said existing gear is minimal and not sufficient for real-time, large-scale broadcast events. The board indicated support and the item was scheduled for formal action on the July 24 agenda.