World Cup fever hits Lawrence as team selection looms

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - Lawrence city leaders are discussing preparations for hosting World Cup 2026 visitors and possibly a team base camp during a meeting Tuesday evening.

City commissioners are finalizing short-term rental rules during the tournament to provide more flexibility. The goal is to increase the number of rentals someone can hold and open up short-term rentals for those renting.

Rock Chalk Park has been identified by FIFA as an option for a team base camp, making it the talk of the town and a focus of Tuesday’s city meeting.

Massachusetts Street businesses are watching city developments and say they’re taking advice as they prepare for the potential influx of World Cup fans.

Jake Moffitt, who owns Meadowlark Wine Bar and Kitchen, said his restaurant is preparing for the tournament while currently focusing on restaurant week.

“I definitely think the menu will probably be a little smaller, make things a little easier on my staff,” Moffitt said.

At Sunflower Outdoor and Bike Shop, manager Alix Carson said the business has been brainstorming ideas despite having more than 50 years of experience.

“It will definitely be something we’ve never experienced before,” Carson said.

Both business owners said they are keeping a close eye on updates from the city and using the new website from Lawrence 2026.

“The city sent out an email earlier today that I was just reading about just preparedness kind of information,” Carson said.

The email was sent ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, where leaders will discuss what it would look like if a team called Lawrence home base.

“You can feel the weight of what’s to come,” Moffitt said.

“We’ve been anxiously awaiting news about whether or not a team is coming to Lawrence,” Carson said.

Explore Lawrence said Tuesday’s meeting is not an announcement but a discussion of what hosting a team could look like. They expect an announcement about whether a team will pick Lawrence as a base camp, possibly by the end of January.

The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m.