KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While Monday night’s ALCS postponement might be a bummer for Royals fans, it’s a blessing for local hotels.
They are cashing in on out-of-towners who booked an extra night so they can attend the ALCS game 3 against the Baltimore Orioles that’s now rescheduled for Tuesday night.
“They’re staying an extra night,” said Greg Madden, director of sales and marketing at the Holiday Inn CoCo Key Water Resort across the street from Kauffman Stadium.
“What we’re being told is they just want to hold onto those tickets because it’s a coveted ticket. They just want to get a game in. They want to see some history be made,” he explained.
Many Royals fans called their airlines and rescheduled flights; others dialed their bosses and called in sick.
“I’m in it for the long haul,” said Ian Hellbusch, a Royals fan who drove in from Denver. “I’m going to the game either way and if I have to use some sick days, I will.”
Scott Sedlak, who drove in from Omaha, is also committed.
“We’re going to get hotel tonight and we’re going to do it all again tomorrow,” he said.
Even Orioles fans planned to make the best of it.
“Didn’t really expect to get rained out but got a hotel here for the night,” said Dustin Kronhofman, who flew in from Baltimore. “Maybe we’ll hit Power and Light District tonight, maybe that’ll give us a little energy for tomorrow.”
It’s an investment these fans believe is well worth it.
“It’s just a change in flights, a little bit of extra money,” said Heath Honeycutt, who flew in from Atlanta, “but wouldn’t miss it for the world.”