30 March 2024
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Current fans could soon catch a ride to soccer games on the water.
The boat captains making it happen are passionate about the Missouri River from its history to its future.
Fans headed to CPKC stadium may soon be able to ride the current on the Missouri River all the way to the game, with guided tours on rafts or take a kayak and canoe.
“River Life River Tours,” President Roger MacBride said.
That’s the name of the new company. MacBride said they want to set the standard in safety and engagement on the Missouri River.
MacBride said people are coming back to the river and a big part of that is the KC Current making waves.
MacBride his crew will have two 14 foot rafts that sit eight people, plus a guide.
They want to let people in on the history of the Missouri River while floating along the riverfront.
“With that duty that we have to train the next generation,” MacBride said.
MacBride said a one-hour ride on the water will cost $36 a person.
People taking out a kayak or canoe will need to go through a three-hour float on boating safety or have the right certification.
As for game day transportation, Capt. Wesley Courier said fans will have a ride both ways.
“We’re thinking of putting people in rafts at Kaw River Point and then floating them down to river front park here,” Courier said, “and then we’ll give them a ride back to their cars.”
The stadium is a three-mile walk from Riverfront Park and about an 8-minute drive.
“That really is fun, that’s what we’ve been doing all along, is bringing people down to the river and giving them a river experience,” Courier said. “Having the soccer he stadium there is a really cool thing. and it might end up a landing point.”
He said it’s exciting to see new development. He sat on a sandbar outside the stadium for the home opener.
With more foot traffic along the riverfront, they want people to respect the river and keep the banks clean.
“Styrofoam is our enemy,” MacBride said.
He is on the Missouri Stream Team. Volunteers pick up trash ever Sunday morning at 9a.m. at Riverfront Park. All are welcome to join.
“Taking care of rivers and watersheds for future generations,” MacBride said.
They’re hoping to start offering rides with River Life in mid-May.