This was an amazing and thrilling place to be! My fiancé and I got free tickets from the VA to go…read moreto a NASCAR race and we were so excited as both of us have never been! Phew was it loud! It was the kind of loud that got you off your feet and cheering though. The whole place was lively. Bathrooms were very clean and the stadium was huge! Loved that they had games like corn-hole and they even had a cool status to pose with! Only downside is how expensive food and drinks are.

Race days at Kansas Speedway used to be a hot ticket…read more They were loud, boisterous, raucous and thrilling - an all day affair that was basically, a huge party. Race day is still fun, though it's not like it used to be. Let's just say, if you don't take care of yourself like you should, age can catch up to you. Two things stood out during a recent visit: Concessions and staffing. Concessions are still available, but they haven't kept up with the times. They're the same frozen then fried options that have been there since the beginning, only without anybody to serve them. We stood in line for almost forty five minutes and found out most of our choice were sold out, and the race wasn't even half over. We thought about trying another stand, but half of them were closed and the lines were long. I hope the venue acknowledges and addresses its race day experience. When everything is running well, it's one of the best things in sports.

Formerly the Waddell & Reed KC Marathon, Garmin has stepped up to sponsor this race in conjunction…read morewith the KC Sports Commission. The verdict on the changes: a good race, but one that I feel has outpriced itself. I've been at this running thing for a long time, and the pureness of the local $10/$20 5K is long gone. Capitalism sunk its claws into running races, taking the world's most basic activity of picking up one foot after another and slapping a big old price tag on it. I say this part in jest, as I know many of these races put charity at the forefront, and of course they take money to put together. This one is impressive in that it covers such a core part of Kansas City and shuts it down for several hours. The newly revamped course takes one from the Nelson Atkins, through the Plaza, through downtown landmarks, and back during peak running season... well let's be honest, PEAK SEASON of Kansas City in mid-October. It's overall a beautiful course. The price tag for most half-marathons is often structured to reward early birds, but this one starts high and goes higher. Things I can get with $100-$130 in the running realm: - A new pair of shoes to last a season - Several pairs of nice, merino wool running socks - A new running jacket + other winter apparel - About 50% of the cost of a nice, new Garmin running watch that'll last years I get that the races cost money, I could simply enter into it if I choose to as I can afford to support my hobbies like these, but the juice ain't worth the squeeze anymore. There are several other good races around town that I will opt into moving forward, but I'm out on this one. A few stray notes from my run last year: -The corrals at the beginning need more entry points, as I was hoisting strangers over after the starting gun because there was only an entry in the way back -The sunrise view of Kauffman Center for Performing Arts is a highlight -Scooters are a cheat code to get to the starting line from nearby -If you're from out of town, KC is hillier than you think it is! -October weather can vary wildly, from heat wave to frost at this time of year. Hopefully for future races, it splits the difference with a nice, crisp morning and warm afternoon.

I finished the 2009 Waddle and Reed Kansas City, MO marathon way back in 2009. Not sure why there…read moreisn't a Yelp business listing between now and then, as of 12/28/2014. Maybe there is, but I can't seem to find it. Race day was 10/16/2009, started in downtown Kansas City, meandered through the surrounding residential areas, into some pseudo industrial areas before snaking back into the downtown areas to finish. It was my first real test to see if I could handle marathons within back to back weekends of each other. So a marathon within 6-7 days between, I chose Chicago the week before and planned accordingly. It was a whirlwind and wild experience. To be able to rock 2 marathons in a span of 7 days is pretty thrill, magical, and an experience that just can't be categorized, defined, or put into words. 2 years later in 2011, I embarked on 2 marathons in 2 days, but that's another story for another time. But in October 2009, I did just that and the 2009 Waddle and Reed Kansas City marathon proved to be the lightning rod that sparked the marathon maniac in me to kick start this whole 50 States marathon project that I have since completed in 5 years since its creation. The Waddle and Reed Kansas City marathon was pretty great, since it was a PR race for me, back in my formidable years. You can get to Kansas City through flying or driving, but for me, I chose to fly via United Airlines at the time. It was a direct flight at the time and made it with a week or so for relaxing and recovery before the big day. The Waddle and Reed Kansas City marathon packet pick up was held at the Crown Center in downtown Kansas City. It was pretty cool to be there in luxurious surroundings. The expo was pretty nice, with a lot of vendors selling marathon and running related apparel and accessories, while there are others there selling their business' wares and services. Whatever you wanted, you probably needed for the marathon. Then again, you may not want to test out anything you have not tried out in training. That's a golden rule of marathon training for sure. But if you had forgotten something at home, best bet is to find it here at the Kansas City marathon expo for sheer conveience and possibly luck of the draw. The year that I ran it, I got really lucky to stay at the nearby Westin Kansas City Resort & Spa, which was price real nice at the time at under $125/night. Score! The Waddle and Reed Kansas City marathon is a mid sized marathon, capping out at roughly 10,000 participants. The weather here can dip down into the upper 30's, but average from the lower to upper 50's and on up. The race start was very crowded and the sheer number of participants was pretty thick. I love large events, since there is usually always someone slower than you, so you don't have to be the last one. We left downtown Kansas City on the quest to run 26.2 miles with many others that chilly October morning. It was fun to run amongst other like minded individuals. We logged those miles and saw some pretty nice residential neighborhoods in the early going. It made me sort of think of moving to Kansas City at the time, but that's a story for another time. There were adequate aid stations and the course support was adequate for the most part. We didn't have much of a cheer section in the 2nd half, but that's alright though. For my experience, it was great, since I scored a PR, a personal best at the time. It was a great feeling to finish that time and pushed myself, even if it was just a 9 minute shave. If you like a mid-size marathon in the Midwest for your fall racing plans, do check out the Waddle and Reed Kansas City marathon, put on by the Kansas City Sports Commission. They do a great job, year after year, and have fond memories of that race. The finisher medals are average in design, but who really cares. You just finished a freaking marathon! Checking off Missouri for my 50 states marathon goal was amazing here in Kansas City and hope to be back soon for the 2nd round. Best city ever. Finishing at Crown Center in downtown Kansas City was great. It was nearby to my hotel, so I didn't have to limp anywhere to get back. Great logistics and everything was great. Couldn't have been a greater script to write here for my PR at the Kansas City marathon! Run more! Support local! B+

Up-Down Arcade Bar is hands down my favorite bar ever. This place does everything right. All the…read moreclassic arcade games you could want, and every machine is only a quarter--which is unreal these days. What really sets them apart is how on top of everything they are. If some drunk person breaks a machine, it's fixed almost immediately. No "out of order" signs sitting there all night--staff actually cares that the games work. Service is quick, drinks are affordable, and the bartenders keep things moving even when it's busy. And yes... they have Mario Kart, which alone makes this place elite. Whether you're there to relive childhood, compete with friends, or just grab a drink in a fun atmosphere, Up-Down nails it every single time. Absolute must-visit in KC.

A real hot spot for the area, loved stumbling upon this bar-arcade with tons of retro games…read more Downstairs is the main arcade area, though theres an upstairs and rooftop to find an open spot in. We just stopped through so only played a few free games but lots of entertainment people watching too

I attended a Royals game recently. Upon arrival there was no-hassle free-parking. Plenty of staff…read morewas directing cars/traffic. Kauffman is on the same campus as Arrow Head and shares parking lots. There were several cool photo opportunities as we approached and entered the stadium. Once we were Inside, we purchased turkey dogs on gluten free buns, regular dogs on wheat buns, and a gluten free vegetarian hummus and veggie tray. Staff was friendly and food was tasty. Our seats overlooked home plate and the fountains across the field. The crowd is well swagged. They won! Fantastic experience all around. .

I am from Chicago and a White Sox fan but I always like to find a chance to watch baseball at…read moreanother stadium if possible. I was in town for the World Cup and figured what the heck, I'll make it ALL about sports! The parking was fairly cheap and nicely organized, though a marker to find our car would have been great, maybe colored poles, or funny named section markers. We ate a while before coming so we just got sweets and a drink. I was happy to get a scarf for the giveaway ala FIFA style, but I liked the other companies that were there promoting themselves and doing giveaways (towels, hand sanitizer). I got soft serve at Hawaiian Bros before realizing they had another ice cream shop on site! Oh well it was fine. I liked the fountains as a nice touch; I can always stare at water when I'm bored, and the color lights in the fountain changed, which was a nice effect. The layout of the stadium is pretty standard, but I was not nuts about the smoking sections near drinks/food. Where I'm from the smoking section is away from food and drinks. The funky artwork around there was nice for 'non-sports' fans. I also wanted to come for fireworks. I have to say the music and fireworks were stunning to watch, especially near the fountains! Of course the food is overpriced so it's best to eat beforehand, but we actually saw a vodka seltzer tasting with free samples! That's not too typical in Chicago! A nice surprise. David M has a point about public transportation. To have TWO stadiums across the street from one another and no buses to get to them is criminal! I get it is near residences, but a shuttle of some sort should be an option!

Honestly for what I did which is just play slots it was a great time lots of older and newer slots…read morebig area of play but no free drinks station like come on ever casino near there has a free drinks station we're already there to spend our money

First time being here! I walked around checking out the whole place. Plenty of garage parking. The…read morecarpet to go upstairs to the casino needs a desperate clean or replacement. Security was pleasant when entering. There are way more slots than table games. They have some electronic craps and roulette if you like that. I did not see any self serve drink machines. A waitress did come around every fifteen minutes. Dealers were pleasant. Staff at cashout were helpful in getting my players card. The food selections were ok but expensive imo. One corner place looked like it was a pizza place was stripped bare and closed. I did go into the betting lounge and agree with others that there is limited seating. Plenty of tvs. Overall my experience was ok. Nothing here to make me say this is the only casino I would play at.

My new running shoes were recommended by my foot doctor but after 300 miles the heels inside were…read moreshredded. Wanting another opinion I popped in to KC Running to see what they thought. Looking at my shoes he reassured me they still had another 100-200 miles in them and that it was typical of the rest of the wear of my shoe. He even let me put on a new bear of my shoe model and feel the difference. There was none so I knew I was good with my old ones. He was so helpful and could have used the chance to sell me a new pair but he remained honest. The store has such a laid back vibe. Runners and their shoes are like buying a new car. You get sold a lot and rarely get heard. I will for sure be buying my shoes from here now. Helps that they have the sweetest shop dog ever. Dog cuddles, kind help and new shoes...SOLD!

Wow! I wish all stores could be this great. The guys in the store who helped us were so…read moreknowledgeable and patient. Not pushy at all. Highly recommend coming here for all of your running needs.

This is an incredible experience for any race enthusiast! I took my teenage grandson, and he…read moreabsolutely loved it. With 12 simulators available, it's best to call ahead to check for openings. You can easily make reservations on their website. If you are motion sensitive you can have them turn it off but it definitely adds to the experience.

This was my first time doing anything like this. I wasn't sure what to expect. The staff was…read moreextremely helpful in getting the car and track picked out as well as what setting to set the simulator at. My time flew by and I had a blast the whole time.