KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
Royals President Dan Glass said Kansas City has put on a great Mid-Summer Classic for Major League Baseball.
With the All-Star break wrapping up with the game Tuesday night, Glass said Kansas City "must finish strong."
Glass spoke to KCTV5 at the All-Star Gala held Monday night after the Home Run Derby.
Kansas City Mayor Sly James was among those in attendance at the gala along with Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Circo and other dignitaries.
James said he was "damn proud" of Kansas City, its residents and Royals fans for how well the All-Star festivities have gone across the area.
Glass and James were among the many Gala attendees raving about how well the All-Star week has gone. Another hot topic was the boos that appeared to rattle Robinson Cano during the Home Run Derby.
The mayor declined to directly comment on fans booing Cano, the American League Home Run Derby team captain. Fans reacted after Cano had indicated he would pick a Royals player for the derby and then later declined to pick Royals designated hitter Billy Butler for the derby.
Butler, who is a reserve for tonight's game, has shrugged off the controversy and said he is enjoying his first All-Star experience.
National and international media outlets have raved about the beauty of Kauffman Stadium and how well the All-Star week has gone.
Kansas City area fans attending the events at Kauffman Stadium said they are pleased at how well Kansas City has done.
"It's a big deal for Kansas City, and we wanted to be part of it," said Lindsay Preisinger, a Fairway resident who decided on Monday along with her co-worker to head to the K in hopes of snagging tickets to the Home Run Derby from scalpers.
Blue Springs resident James Norman said he's excited about the money that visitors will pour into local coffers. Some estimates have the All-Star festivities bringing more than $60 million to the area.
"I think it's good for the local economy," he said.
Norman said he was excited for the world to see what Kansas City residents already know: "It's a great city."
This is Kansas City's first All-Star game since 1973. Many fans are hoping Major League Baseball officials have noticed how well the week has gone and Kansas City won't have to wait as long for the next one.
"Kansas City is a great host city," said Leawood resident Lucas Snyder.
Out-of-state and even Canadian visitors said they were impressed.
"It's been absolutely a first-class event," said Canadian Dave Morneau. "The hospitality we've gotten down here has been fantastic."
Michael Edwards, who hails from south New Jersey, said this was his first trip to Kansas City.
"It's been phenomenal," he said, adding he's enjoyed the events, the people and the restaurants. "It's been outstanding."
Dallas resident Chris Haynes praised the All-Star week in Kansas City for being "very well organized."
Some who attended previous All-Star events did say a downside for Kansas City was the drive time from hotels to the stadium or events such as FanFest. They said that last year in Phoenix the convention center was adjacent to the stadium and was more convenient for fans.
But many said the downsides were outweighed by the positives and they hoped Kansas City will host another All-Star event soon.
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