KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree covers portions of Johnson County, Kansas. Share your story idea with Olivia.
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Soccer fans coming to Kansas City to catch a FIFA 2026 World Cup match will have an easy way to get from Kansas City International Airport to busy hot spots in Johnson County, Kansas.
On Thursday, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners voted 7-0 to accept $2 million in funding from the Mid-America Regional Council to fund a bus route between KCI and destinations at Lenexa's City Center and the Overland Park Convention Center.
"We welcome a lot of folks to Johnson County, and there's got to be a great way to get them from our world-class airport to Johnson County," said Mike Kelly, Johnson County Board chairman.
LINK | KSHB 41 coverage of FIFA 2026 World Cup
Both locations offer a large number of hotel rooms for guests in the area during the tournament. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is set to host six matches during the World Cup, including one of four quarterfinal matches.
"There are clusters of hotels there, restaurants, shopping activities, all the types of things that you want to highlight in our community," said Josh Powers, Johnson County Transit director.
Thursday's vote also authorized spending $600,000 from county funds for the routes.
Last summer, Johnson County commissioners approved another $1.5 million deposit to help acquire 50 buses to help the county transport fans during the tournament.
LINK | Johnson County officials say buses secured for 2026 FIFA World Cup matches is win for region
There are around 480 days until the World Cup, and this decision is just one step in planning for the major event.
"While that may seem like a long road, we're gonna be driving very fast," Kelly said.
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