No, there weren’t a bunch of VIPs in Kansas City Thursday.
But it sure looked like it as police practiced motorcade routes in preparation for the Major League All-Star game.
Police temporarily shut down traffic all over town as they rehearsed escorting dignitaries and baseball players along 10 different routes between downtown, Kauffman Stadium and the Country Club Plaza.
The rehearsals, which involved 55 officers from Kansas City, Independence and the Jackson County Sheriff’s office, began at 7 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. Most of the officers rode motorcycles as they practiced escorting each other along primary and secondary routes that could be used for the game and related events.
Kansas City police said the All-Star Game will be the largest affair for which they will provide escorts and they needed help from outside agencies. They wanted a day of interagency practice so there wouldn’t be any hiccups when the festivities begin.
The dry-runs drew some curious looks, as motorcades often do, but went without a hitch, said Sgt. Grant Ruark.
“People always think maybe the president is in town, but you can’t train unless you do it live,” he said. “As far as I can tell, we’re ready.”
Kansas City police also plan to practice getting fans into and out of Kauffman Stadium’s parking lots with the Missouri Highway Patrol during this weekend’s series between the Royals and the Cardinals.
Cardinal games are usually sell-outs and should provide good crowds for troopers to learn the traffic patterns around the stadium, Major Rich Lockhart said. Kansas City police will direct traffic for the first home game with troopers observing. Police and troopers will work together for the second game and troopers will direct traffic alone for the third game, with police observing and critiquing, Lockhart said.
Kansas City police urge anyone who plans to attend any events associated with the game, including Fan Fest or the Red Carpet Parade from July 6-10, to sign up for text message alerts by texting “ALLSTARKC” TO 888-777. Police will use text messages to keep baseball fans up-to-date on traffic, road closures and emergency notifications.