Spare Time: What to do between games in Kansas City (Kansas)...
Restaurants
Sonic Drive Inn next to CommunityAmerica Ballpark (2004)
Originally around the ballpark (in its inaugural year) were very few options. Food options increased dramatically in 2004 and after. Next to the ballpark is a Sonic Drive In. In the area you can also find other restaurants including Arthur Bryant's Barbeque, Famous Dave's, Applebees and many others
Of course today it's hard to ignore the many food options of nearly every type in and around The Legends at Village West which has a huge selection of its own. These include: Bob Evans, Calient Cuban Restaurant, Cheesburger in Paradise,Chili's, Chipotle, Culvers, Dave & Busters, Granite City, IHOP, Jazz: A Lousiana Kitchen, Outback, Panera, The Yard House and many, many more.
Post Game Options
Of these post game diners and drinkers may want sample the huge selection of tap beers at the Yard House (913.788.4500) or the fun on the outdoor decks at the Dave & Busters (913.981.6815) where the kitchen is open until 1AM.
Sites & Attractions (in KCK)
As mention above, what was, the the T-Bones first arrrived, an empty sea of vacant lots and streets leading to nothing now are full with shops, stores, restaurants and much more in the The Legends at Village West complex. Besides the food and drink options are the shopping for everyone, including a T-Bones store. If you (and the kids) are tired of shopping and eating, you can catch a movie at The Legends 14 Theatre (913.788.7132) or go bowling at the Pin-Up Bowl (913.788.5555).
Given the size of the Legends complex, you may to park in the large parking ramp on the north side (preferrably in the shade given the heat). You could try parking at the ballpark and walking, but remember that the main entrances are on the west and southwest sides of the stadium.
Lodging
Once rather scarce and inconvenient
In 2003 & 2004, there are very few options "convenient" to the ballpark. The Great Wolf Lodge opened in 2003 during the summer and is an "upscale" motel complete with water park (if you have money to burn). In the Legends complex is the Holiday Inn Express (913-328-1024). The next nearest are 4 miles east of the stadium (and raceway) on I-70 at the 78th St. exit: American Motel (1.800.905.6343) and Comfort Inn. The American is (normally) very inexpensive and includes a pool, but is otherwise low on "frills."
Speedway Weekend Hotel "Price Gouging" Warning!
If there is racing at the Kansas Speedway watch out for is "price gouging" at the few nearby hotels. Rates more than double, regardless of advertised prices. This was an unpleasant surprise during the 2003 season and something that should happen less often in the future, especially when there are additional hotels and motels in the area around the ballpark and speedway in coming years.
