Nick’s Picks | Building, Politicking, Grounding and More …

Fan Fest Construction Begins

With just 35 days until the World Cup kicks off, Kansas City’s tournament transformation shifts into high gear this week. Construction crews and heavy equipment are moving onto the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial as work begins on FIFA’s expansive Fan Fest site.

Workers are closing off the museum’s entire south lawn off as the area is converted into a month-long gathering spot for soccer fans from around the globe. Organizers say the Fan Fest will feature watch parties on a giant 4,200-square-foot screen, along with food vendors, drinks, interactive soccer activities and nightly concerts.

Admission is free, but visitors will need to register in advance.

Last Week Reviewed

Arrowhead Makeover

Also this week, Arrowhead Stadium is wrapping up its World Cup transformation. Crews are finishing the conversion from football field to soccer pitch while also giving the stadium a FIFA-required “clean venue” makeover.

That means sponsor signage, including the GEHA branding, is being covered or removed, along with Chiefs logos and even the Arrowhead name itself. During the tournament, the stadium will simply be known as “Kansas City Stadium” — part of FIFA’s strict rules designed to protect official World Cup sponsors and branding partners.

Kansas City Loses Its Spirit

Just as Kansas City gears up for the largest wave of visitors in its history, KCI Airport is losing flights as Spirit Airlines shuts down operations.

The sudden pullout has left thousands of local travelers scrambling to rebook trips this week.

The ultra-low-cost carrier flew roughly 30,000 passengers through KCI during the first three months of the year. Spirit offered 16 direct flights to Orlando, Las Vegas and Fort Lauderdale.

The airline announced Saturday it had “no choice” but to wind down operations after a government rescue deal fell through, leaving its 17,000 workers jobless.

Jackson County Leader

If you’ve ever dreamed of running Jackson County, now’s your chance. The deadline for signing up to be the county’s next executive is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

The last-minute deadline comes after a stunning shakeup that saw two of the race’s biggest names suddenly bow out — forcing the county to reopen filings.

Interim Executive Phil LeVota says he wants to enjoy life away from the “unpleasantness of politics,” while former county chair Daron McGee says he wants to spend more time with family.

Now, with fewer than 100 days until the primary election, former county legislator Dan Tarwater has jumped into the race at the eleventh hour. And before Tuesday’s deadline arrives, more late entrants could still emerge.

Buc-ee’s Dishes Up Traffic Headaches

Kansas City’s first Buc-ee’s won’t open until next year, but the traffic headaches have already arrived.

Along with the Beaver Nuggets and chopped brisket sandwiches, the Texas travel-center giant is now adding road closures to the menu. Construction crews this week are shutting down the 110th Street exit off Interstate 70, near the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.

It’s part of a reshaping of the interchange to handle what’s expected to be a flood of future Buc-ee’s traffic.

Days to Circle

It’s a week of lightsabers, tacos and tributes to mom.

Today marks Star Wars Day — the annual “May the Fourth be with you” celebration that transforms social media into a galaxy of Yoda quotes and Jedi memes.

Tuesday brings Cinco de Mayo celebrations across the metro, with restaurants and bars gearing up for one of their busiest nights of the year. Expect packed patios, mariachi music and enough chips and queso to power the city through midnight.

And don’t forget — Mother’s Day arrives Sunday, meaning brunch reservations are vanishing fast, florists are in overdrive and “World’s Best Mom” cards are flying off store shelves.

Nick Haines tracks the week’s most impactful, confusing and downright head-scratching local news stories on Week in Review, Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. on Kansas City PBS.