Race weekend at the Kansas Speedway

Posted: March 25, 2013

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My husband surprised me with tickets to the inaugural race at Kansas Speedway, and I had no idea what to expect since I had never really been a racing fan.  Let me just say it was a BLAST!  We have now been season ticket holders ever since that day.  Race weekends at Kansas Speedway are a time to laugh with friends, eat good tailgating food, challenge each other to foolish games, have a drink or two, and talk or argue about the excitement of the upcoming race.

We are early arrivers; getting to the parking lot at 7 am to set up our tailgating area around our bus.  YES, we have a tailgating bus.  It is not pretty and oh the stories the bus could tell, but it is a great way to get everyone out to the track and it has a clean bathroom!  Upon arrival we get the turkey fryer rumbling with boiling water so we can start our breakfast omelets and let the games begin – ladder golf, corn hole, or anything new we come across during the year.  The guys hoist the flags on the flag pole and stand on top of the bus to watch the traffic start rolling in.  We love watching the sea of flags start going up and by race time the parking lot has an atmosphere you cannot explain until you experience it for yourself.

We always meet someone new each year as we are tailgating.  We share stories of our bus, find out where everyone is from, and just have a good time.  We have never met anyone unfriendly or unwilling to strike up a conversation at the track!

There is so much to do at the Kansas Speedway from tailgating, walking around to see the Army vehicles, or watching a live taping of Speed.  We have done the Fan Walk experience and walked through the garages before the checkered flag drops as well as attended pre-concert festivities on the track.  There is always something to do for everyone at the track.  The fly over’s are always great! And, the rumble in your chest when the cars start their engines is like no other experience; not even a rock concert.

If you are going to be in town longer than the race weekend there is much more to do around the track; shop the Legends stores, eat at any of the delicious restaurants across the street, try your luck at the Hollywood Casino and eat at the Turn2Sports Bar and Restaurant (it has an excellent view of the track and outside tables) or try one of the other great dining experiences they offer.

Whatever you choose to do at the track and however long you are in town, the Kansas Speedway is the track that will blow you away!  Hold on tight.

~Lisa

Lisa Hughes is a children’s services specialist for Johnson County and an avid race fan.

Plan your race weekend at the Kansas Speedway now – buy tickets and book a hotel room.

We were ready for some football – here on Monday night

Posted: November 4, 2011

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Wow! Are you ready for some football!

I have been to a dozen or more Chiefs home games, but never a Monday Night Football Game. This was one game I put on my calendar at the beginning of the year and one thing I could mark off my bucket list.

Let me set up a vivid picture for you of this event and the environment. First of all the weather was awesome – sunny, temperature in the 70’s and little breeze. The date October 31, Halloween. Finally the Chiefs after a 0-3 start have fought back to 500 and are playing for first place against an AFC West Division opponent. What more can you say?

I was attending the game with my brother-in-law, Pat. Not only is he a big Chiefs fan he also resembles Mr. Clean, so somewhat intimidating to others. We arrived at the stadium at 4 pm along with many other excited Chiefs Fans (we might have been there earlier but did not know they opened the gates at 3). Anyway we found a great spot, one that did not allow anyone to park behind us. If you tailgate with us, you’d know that everyone has an assignment. Get the grill ready, set up the tables and chairs, get the Chiefs Flag out, radio tuned to 101 The Fox, appetizers set and ready, coolers set in place with food and beverages, and finally games (football or bag toss). Menu for Monday Night was pretty good. Rib eye steaks, twice baked potato was the main course and appetizers were chips and salsa (smokin’ hot, I may add), beef jerky, and buffalo chicken dip.  I must say it all turned out well.

One of the other great things about tailgating at Arrowhead is the camaraderie with the other fans and tailgaters. It is always fun to see who pulls in next to your spot. This week we had a group from South Dakota next to us. They had actually just relocated to KC and have always been big Chiefs fans. We borrowed and shared items (everyone forgets something when they are rushing to pack the car and tailgate). Not sure this sharing stuff happens everywhere, but I know people in the Midwest are just friendly that way.

Plus, the “people watching” was great Monday because with it being Halloween the many of the fans were dressed up in a variety of costumes. The best one was a guy dressed up like Todd Haley (Coach of the Chiefs) and had a sign that said “fear the bear,” could have been his twin brother.

The game was not the prettiest game, but we walked away with a victory 23-20 in overtime, which I am sure surprised many of the so called “experts” on ESPN, the NFL Network and other stations because if your were listening to their reports it sounded as if the Chargers were the only team on the field. Maybe they need to remove expert from their titles. Anyway, a Chiefs victory and we are tied for first.

If you are a local NFL fan or a fan from another city and are looking for the next city to visit for an NFL game, well look no further – come to Kansas City and Arrowhead Stadium. You may get a little grief from Chiefs fans if you are visiting, but it is safe (just don’t claim your BBQ is better than ours or you tailgate better than us).

GO CHIEFS!

~Kelly