Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
Kansas Speedway 400 Speedway Boulevard Kansas City, KS 66111
Year Opened: 2001
Capacity: 48,000
Speedin’ in Kansas
Kansas Speedway broke ground in 1999 and officially opened on June 2, 2001, with an ARCA race won by Jason Jarrett. Since its’ beginnings, Kansas Speedway has grown and hosts 2 NASCAR Cup Series races, including a playoff race. With the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois largely dormant, Kansas is the only NASCAR track being used in the Midwest other than the Michigan International Speedway west of Detroit and as of 2024, the Iowa Speedway in Newton.
With an initial cost of $287 million, the speedway is a 1.5-mile tri-oval track. While NASCAR is the primary tenant currently, the track has hosted both IMSA and IndyCar Series races in the past. The track once had a capacity of 82,000 at its peak, but the current setup is for 48,000. Hollywood Casino is located adjacent to the track and sponsors the playoff race in September.
Food & Beverage 4
The Speedway certainly has a fan friendly food and drink policy. Each attendee can bring one bag and cooler (14x14x14 or smaller) in with them. The coolers can have drinks and prepackaged food in them. The only drinks you cannot bring in understandably are anything in glass.
If you do not bring in anything, the speedway has you covered. There is a solid selection of choices from the typical burgers and hot dogs to Philly cheesesteak, pizza, and some BBQ options. Another choice comes from Iowa. Chuckie’s Iowa famous pork tenderloin has a trailer and is highly recommended. Other typical sports fare such as popcorn, candy, etc. is also available. The lines are generally reasonable although ice cream does yield some wait since it is one item that is difficult to bring in.
A unique soda choice limits your options to RC, 7 Up and A&W Root Beer.
There are plenty of adult beverages available from numerous types of beer to wine to mixed drinks. All prices are in line with what you would pay at most sporting events.
Atmosphere 4
The speedway experience begins before you even enter it. Prior to entering the gates are all the merchandise trucks where you can buy all sorts of items to represent your favorite team or driver. Once inside, the gates you will find all the concession areas and restrooms which run under the seating area. There is a smattering of vendors that have displays and NASCAR also has an area with some cars and trophies on display and hosts some Q&A sessions with drivers.
Entering the seating area opens you up to seeing the entire track. There really are not any bad seats although I would recommend sitting higher up as it is easier to see the far side of the track as well as having a better angle when the cars come by as the wall does block some view of the cars as they pass, especially in the lowest seats. I’ve been to the race four years in a row. Despite being at roughly the same time of year (I attend the playoff race in September), the weather seems different every year. If you prefer shade, your best option is to purchase tickets up near the suites and press box area as you will be in the shade most, if not all the race.
Neighborhood 4
The racetrack is located just off I-70 and I-435. The area has some cool stuff above and beyond the track if you are a sports fan. Located right next to the track is Children’s Mercy Park, home of Sporting KC of Major League Soccer. Next to the soccer stadium is Legends Field, home of the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association.
Plenty of retail stores dot the area around the track. The one thing missing form the area is places to eat or drink within walking distance. There is a Famous Dave’s BBQ and Hollywood Casino is also quite close if you are a gambler. A few blocks north, there are numerous other eating options.
There are plenty of lodging options in the area. The Hampton Inn is across State Ave and a good spot for the cost. A Best Western along with the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park are also in the same area.
Fans 4
NASCAR fans are typically a passionate bunch and the fans here are no different. They make it well known what drivers they do (or do not) like. A good percentage of fans are wearing some sort of NASCAR merchandise that represents their favorite team or driver. The fans are largely engaged from start to finish save a couple breaks between the stages for a quick run to the restroom or do grab some food or drinks.
Access 4
The track is located just off I-435 near I-70. Getting into the parking lot generally yields a very small wait although it obviously gets busier closer to race time. Once inside the track, getting around is easy. Getting food and using the restroom has its ebbs and flows. I would not recommend waiting to use the restroom until the ends of stages 1 and 2 as everyone else is doing the same. If you head to the concession area while the race is going, the wait time is generally minimal. Like any large sporting event, getting out after the race will be clunky and have a wait time involved.
Return on Investment 4
The Speedway offers a great value. You can get into the spring race for $79 and up to around $150. The fall (playoff) race runs from around $100 up to $180. With the policy of bringing in your own food and drinks coupled with the fact that parking is free (you can pay $35 if you want to park up close), the track gives you a great bang for your buck.
Extras 4
The Hollywood Casino sits right next to the track and you can eat in an area overlooking the track. A very unique experience for sure.
You can purchase a pre-race ticket and go down on the track. You can walk up to pit road for an up-close view of the cars, sign the start/finish line, and be up close for the driver introductions. It’s not something I’d recommend doing every time but it is fun to experience at least once.
The playoff race weekend in the fall has four races (ARCA, Craftsman Series, Xfinity, and Cup as of 2024), so there is a lot crammed in to a few days. Combine the races with numerous other activities for fans of all ages over the weekend and you have got a jam-packed weekend of fun.
An extra point for the ability to bring in free food and drinks. Wish this was done more often at other sporing venues.
Final Thoughts
NASCAR fans in the Midwest do not have many options. There’s Michigan Speedway, Iowa Speedway as of 2024, and Kansas. Kansas has a lot to offer racing fans. Most importantly, you can take in a great day or days of racing at a nice venue for a great price.
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