While Kansas City Proper has always struggled with its self-image, the folks out in Independence have put so many of our development schemes to shame by simply giving people what they want.
The latest example: The former and current meth addicts out in Independence will soon be treated to an evening with Larry The Cable Guy which might be the classiest event they’ll attend all year.
Let’s review how Independence has stayed winning with their arena play . . .
The same Independence Events Center that will host the world’s most redneck comedian is also home to The Missouri Mavericks which is the only playoff team in this town. The crowds have been decent and Holly Starr’s hot ass is often in the crowd as eye candy when the sporting event gets boring.
The Independence Events Center also had a big turnout this Spring for the Tea Party Extravaganza featuring Sarah Palin. I don’t want to totally give in to stereotypes but (at least on paper) this kind of reactionary dimwit festival plays specifically to the lowbrow, lower-income crowd living in fear of minorities and The Black President in the small houses of Independence.
And while this stuff isn’t my cup of tea, I understand the logic and admire the planning that went into the Independence Event Center. At the same time, lamenting the same kind of foresight that was not present for Kansas City’s downtown Renaissance.
Meanwhile, The Sprint Center in Kansas City Proper has earned some nice crowds and great write-ups from trade mags but it’s certainly not the epicenter of Kansas City Activity. In fact, now that Big 12 college basketball is STILL in flux the future of the place is more shaky than ever.
The crowds at The Sprint Center were supposed to pour into The P&L District after shows and games but so far, for as many great events as The Sprint Center has put on — The P&L District still racked up $12 million in debt this year.
And overall, Downtown hasn’t changed that much other than some wicked fighting over a discriminatory dress code, a party island that’s costing a great deal of money to finance and a noteworthy Garth Brooks show to kick it all off . . . Sadly, the guy’s voice was gone by the end of it.
So, check the scorecard: As far as stadium development goes. The leaders and people Independence may not have a reputation for being very savvy but they have certainly outperformed development here in Kansas City, Missouri.
Tony Botello
Greg Gagne
I
smartman
It’s not just the lower income lowbrow crowd that worries about minorities and the (half) Black President. Just ask the upper income lowbrow crowd living in Johnson County Kansas.
JAM
Tony, you sure are a negative racist.
mojhawk
Are you going to be like Alec Baldwin and if your side lose’s the election you will move out of the country?
DeuceandaQuarter
Tony,
I think it has been a while since you have been to Independence. The small houses in the Northwest area are quite diverse in their ethnic population. You now have more white folks buying houses on the west side than we do. No Vedros in Independence.
Ed
Actually, we have playoff roller derby team in this town that won the National Championship a few years ago as well. If you don’t consider that a sport then either you haven’t been or you’re just a big ass. Oh wait….
jojo
joannie weston is still with the bay
area bombers? wow!
MGarr
Thanks for the tip Tony. Saw Larry the Cable Guy at Glazer’s club about five times in the late 90’s. He’s my favorite, saw him at Kemper. Hope Glazer gets a cut, he was a nobody before he came to KC.
WOW
Only Jojo is old enough to remember roller derby players
jojo
stanfords launched lots of comedians…
i think roseanne bar…seinfeld…sinbad…
and many more…
saw some great shows down there….
favorties were shuler…and slayton….the
funniest..
and yes independence has done a great job
with that center….i heard ints beuatiful..
friendly….great crowds…and it tapped
into a market noone thought about…
i wonder when joco will open one…then
you’ll see some real action!w