April 21, 2026

Kearney Hosts World Cup Watch Party and Concert

April 21, 2026/ Brian Watts

The City of Kearney is thrilled to announce Cleats & Beats, a premier community FanFest, watch party, and concert event set for Friday, June 19, 2026, at Jesse James Park beginning at 11 am. This high-energy celebration brings together the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event with the best in local entertainment, offering a unique experience for soccer fans and neighbors alike.

As soccer fever sweeps the nation, Kearney proudly invites the community to a special public screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ match between the USA and Australia. One of seven Northland locations participating in a live viewing partnership with GONorthKC, the city is bringing the global game to its own backyard on a massive outdoor screen.

“Cleats & Beats is designed to bring that stadium-sized energy right here to our local park,” said Mayor Randy Pogue. “Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for a great once-in-a-lifetime event out with your neighbors, this event has something for everyone. We are honored to partner with GONorthKC to ensure Kearney is a destination for fans across the region.”

Following the match, the celebration continues with the "Beats" portion of the event. High-energy party band The Bangerz will take the stage, performing a non-stop set of fan favorites, while a live DJ keeps the atmosphere electric well into the afternoon and evening.

Attendees can look forward to an array of activities and amenities, including:

Food Trucks & Concessions: Enjoy a variety of local flavors and game-day snacks.
Selfie Stations: Capture memories with custom-designed photo ops for friends and family.
Fan Zone: Participate in interactive activities and concessions for fans of all ages, including a drop-in soccer camp with international coaches from Challenger Sports from 11:30 am – 1 pm.

Admission to Cleats & Beats is free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Gates at Jesse James Park will open early to allow fans to secure their spots before kickoff.

For more information and a full schedule of the day’s events, visit kearneymo.us or follow the City of Kearney on social media.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

February 26, 2026

GOooal North KC Launches Summer Soccer Watch Party Series

February 26, 2026/ Brian Watts

GoNorthKC has announced the GOooal North KC Watch Party Event Series, a summer lineup of seven free, public watch parties taking place at various Northland locations. Designed as lively, family-friendly gatherings, the series aims to bring soccer enthusiasts together to celebrate international tournament matches right in their own neighborhoods.

Each event will feature live match streams on big screens, local food trucks, family activities, soccer challenges, interactive games, and more. Parks, entertainment districts, and community spaces will be transformed into energetic hubs as fans of all ages join in the excitement.

“The GOooal North KC Watch Party Event Series is about bringing our community together,” said a Go North KC spokesperson. “We’re creating welcoming, high-energy environments across the Northland where families and fans can connect, support the sport, and experience the excitement of tournament play right here at home.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, wear their team colors, and arrive early to enjoy pre-game activities and local vendors. All events are free and open to the public.

GOooal North KC Watch Party Schedule

June 12 – Liberty High School, Liberty, MO: USA vs. Paraguay | Kickoff at 8:00 PM
June 27 – Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO: Algeria vs. Austria | Kickoff at 9:00 PM
June 16 – Central Bank Sporting Complex, Kansas City, MO: Argentina vs. Algeria | Kickoff at 8:00 PM
June 19 – Jesse James Park, Kearney, MO: USA vs. Australia | Kickoff at 2:00 PM
June 20 – Happy Rock Park, Gladstone, MO: Ecuador vs. Curaçao | Kickoff at 7:00 PM
July 3 – Morton Amphitheater, Riverside, MO: Round of 32 Match | Kickoff at 8:30 PM
July 11 – Armour & Swift, North Kansas City, MO: Quarterfinal Match | Kickoff at 8:00 PM

The GOooal North KC Watch Party Event Series is part of Go North KC’s ongoing mission to spotlight the Northland as a vibrant destination for sports, entertainment, and community connection.

For the latest updates and event details, visit GoNorthKC.com/soccer-central or follow @gonorthkc on social media.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

February 04, 2026

Kearney Opens Door to Short-Term Rentals for World Cup

February 04, 2026/ Brian Watts

The City of Kearney has adopted an ordinance allowing short-term rentals within city limits, expanding local lodging options as the Kansas City region prepares for increased visitor demand tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kansas City will host multiple World Cup matches in June and July 2026, and communities throughout the region are planning to accommodate thousands of visitors.

The ordinance permits short-term rentals as an accessory residential use and defines them as stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties may be eligible, subject to city standards.

"This ordinance provides flexibility for property owners while maintaining clear standards to protect our neighborhoods," said Mayor Pogue. "As the region prepares for a major international event this summer, we want Kearney residents to have the ability to welcome visitors safely and responsibly."

Operators of short-term rentals must obtain a city-issued permit, comply with occupancy limits, meet parking and nuisance standards, designate a local contact, and renew permits annually.

Permits are non-transferable and may only be held by property owners.

The ordinance follows public hearings and a review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and reflects broader regional planning efforts related to housing and lodging demand associated with the 2026 World Cup.

Additional information, including business licensing and permitting requirements, is available at KearneyMO.us.

KPGZ News – City of Kearney

December 17, 2025

Artists Wanted for Inflatable Soccer Ball Art

December 17, 2025/ Brian Watts

Go North KC is now accepting applications for a Call for Artists to design original artwork for a 20-foot diameter inflatable soccer ball that will be featured at community events and public gatherings in the region.

Bold in scale and designed to be experienced from every angle, the inflatable soccer ball will serve as a highly visible, photo-friendly centerpiece—inviting residents and visitors to engage with art in a fun, accessible format inspired by the global spirit of the game.

This project is an opportunity to spotlight creative talent and bring something truly eye-catching to our community events. We’re excited to see artists’ styles and ideas come to life on a unique three-dimensional canvas.

The selected artist will create a full-surface design for the inflatable soccer ball. Like a traditional soccer ball, the piece is constructed from stitched pentagonal and hexagonal panels, allowing the classic soccer aesthetic to remain visible while still offering artists an expansive spherical surface to design. Artists may choose to reference the panel structure—or design as if the ball were a continuous, uninterrupted surface.

This Call for Artists will be conducted in two phases:

Phase One (Initial Application): Artists submit references of existing work and a brief statement of interest. No original concept is required at this stage.
Phase Two (Finalist Concepts): Five (5) finalists will be invited to create and submit design concepts for the inflatable soccer ball. Each finalist will receive a $100 honorarium.

From the finalists, one artist will be selected and awarded a $2,000 contract to complete the final artwork for production.