Fact Sheet for Leavenworth Business District

Soccer Game

Leavenworth Business District Fact Sheet 2026 FIFA

WORLD CUP: What It Means for Leavenworth

OVERVIEW & CONTEXT

THE WORLD IS COMING TO KANSAS CITY

In June–July 2026, the FIFA World Cup will bring global attention to our region. With 6 games hosted at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO—and training centers established in Kansas City, KS, and Lawrence, KS—this event promises an unprecedented influx of international teams, fans, and media.

EVENT TIMELINE

  • Estimated Activity Period: Late May through Mid-July 2026 (~45 days)
  • Kansas City, MO: Official Host City with 6 matches
  • Kansas City, KS & Lawrence, KS: Potential Training Centers

LEAVENWORTH: A GATEWAY EXPERIENCE Leavenworth is uniquely positioned to benefit from this global event:

  • Just 45 minutes from Kansas City, MO
  • Rich in history, charm, and authentic Americana
  • Home to Fort Leavenworth, scenic riverfront, and a vibrant downtown district

With international visitors seeking overflow lodging, day trips, and authentic U.S. experiences, Leavenworth can expect a boost in tourism, business visibility, and community engagement.  

We also have the potential for overflow American travelers who won't be able to find lodging in Kansas City due to the World Cup.  

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES & NEXT STEPS

WHAT BUSINESSES CAN EXPECT: BEST-CASE SCENARIO

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

  • 20–30% increase in hotel and short-term rental bookings
  • Greater demand for dining options, especially weekends & match days
  • Increased interest in cultural tours, historic sites, and local experiences

RETAIL & SHOPPING

  • Boost in foot traffic through the downtown business district
  • Opportunities for pop-up shops and unique merchandise sales
  • Potential for late-night hours and multilingual signage to welcome visitors

SERVICES & SUPPORT

  • Growth in rideshare, transport, and visitor services
  • Need for multi-language support, event services, and digital outreach

ACTION STEPS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

  1. Plan Early: Coordinate with hotels, CVB, and city officials to prepare for capacity.
  2. Train Staff: Offer customer service and basic international visitor awareness training. Consider downloading a translator app on your phones. 
  3. Create Visitor-Friendly Materials: Consider translating menus and signs.  Most Internationals do not understand our tax and tip system here in the USA.  If you can make this easier for them by creating a one price item that includes all the tax, it would be beneficial.  
  4. Host Events: Organize watch parties, welcome nights, or themed promotions.  
  5. Collaborate: Join forces with other businesses for district-wide promotions. Example: Consider creating a Pub Crawl during one of the USA games and winning prizes along the way.  

MARKETING TIP: Register your business on platforms like Google Travel, TripAdvisor, and Airbnb Experiences. Label your venue "World Cup-friendly."

CONTACT & RESOURCES

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