Overland Park council unanimously approves city sponsorship of Kansas City World Cup kickoff at Esperia campus

The Overland Park City Council voted unanimously on June 16 to adopt Resolution No. 5049, designating the Kansas City World Cup kickoff event in Overland Park as a city-sponsored public event and authorizing city support limited to publicity and promotion on the city’s communication channels.

Assistant City Manager Kate Gunja presented the request and said the event, which is free and open to the public, will be held Sunday, June 22, 2025, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Esperia campus (the former Sprint campus). “This request meets 2 of the public objectives for city sponsorship,” Gunja said, and staff recommended adoption of the resolution.

The council’s action follows the city’s adoption of standards in a separate earlier resolution (referred to in the staff report as Resolution No. 3865) that set criteria for when the city will provide sponsorship and support for unique public events. City staff noted the current resolution is limited to promotional support and that staff may bring future resolutions for other World Cup–related events.

Vote and logistics: Councilmembers voted to adopt Resolution No. 5049 by voice vote; the motion carried unanimously. City staff encouraged residents to attend and noted parking and shuttle options, including a shuttle from City Hall that has been used for recent events. The city manager also noted city facilities will be closed June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday but that parks and other public venues will remain open.

Ending: The event is scheduled June 22 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Esperia campus; the resolution authorizes only city publicity and promotion and does not commit additional city resources beyond those channels.