Kansas City Prepares for Big Week: Stadium Tax Polls, Kansas Primary Election, NCAA March Madness, and More

Kansas City’s Landmark Week: Stadium Tax, Kansas Primary, and March Madness

In a dynamic week for Kansas City, residents are bracing for momentous happenings that include the stadium tax polls, Kansas Presidential primary, and the sensational March Madness.

Kansas Primary Elections

For the first time in over two decades, Kansas will conduct a Presidential primary on Tuesday as opposed to the traditional caucuses, at a hefty state expense close to $5 million. With President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump securing their party’s candidacy, the turnout at the polling stations remains something to watch. Candidates Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley still feature on the Republican roster, despite suspending their campaigns. In contrast, the Democrats can vote amongst Biden, self-help author Marianne Williamson, Minnesota U.S. Representative Dean Phillips, and Maryland entrepreneur, James Palmer. “None of the above” is also an option for those who wish to express their displeasure at the available choices.

Stadium Tax Decision

The hotly debated stadium tax moves to the voting stage on April 2. With the deadline for the teams to provide signed community benefit agreements for hiring, wages, and affordable housing goals on Tuesday, several advocacy groups threaten to rally against the tax if they do not receive solid assurances. Jackson County Executive Frank White is also pressuring the teams to reimburse the county for the election’s $1 million cost.

Missouri Case to the Supreme Court

In an essential case for free speech and online discourse, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether the government should regulate false or misleading internet posts. The Missouri attorney general instigated this case after claiming the White House coerced tech companies into removing content with which it disagreed.

World Cup Funding

Despite initial resistance, Kansas lawmakers look poised to approve a budget with $28 million allocated to host the World Cup tournament in Kansas City in 2026. Other budgetary provisions raising concerns include a $15.7 million allocation for deploying Kansas National Guard troops to Texas and stripping $35 million from state colleges and universities until confirming the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements in admissions and hiring processes.

March Madness Begins

On a light-hearted note, the much-anticipated March Madness kicks off on Tuesday, promising three weeks of exhilarating college basketball engagement. Although the event will not see any games in Kansas City, the University of Kansas, the only local team in the tournament, will compete against Samford on Thursday night.

NCAA Wrestling Championships

For those with alternate sporting inclinations, the NCAA Wrestling Championships will be taking place in Kansas City, expecting a significant influx of visitors from out of town. The three-day event will commence on Thursday at T-Mobile Center.

Adam Ant Concert

And for the music fans, British Rock sensation Adam Ant, known for hits like “Stand and Deliver” and “Prince Charming” from the late 1970s and early 1980s, will be performing at the Uptown Theater on Friday night.