March 1 Weekend Preview

Well, February ended with SnowPocalypse and March is here. so if you have been snowbound you are probably itching to get out and do something. There are movies for every taste opening this weekend. First up is the Party Comedy “21 and Over”. In this laugher Straight-A college student Jeff Chang has always done what’s expected of him. But when his two best friends Casey and Miller surprise him with a visit for his 21st birthday, he decides to do the unexpected for a change, even though his critical medical school interview is early the next morning. What was supposed to be one beer becomes one night of chaos, over indulgence and utter debauchery in this outrageous comedy.
Next up is the horror thriller “The Last Exorcism Part II”. Continuing where the first film left off, Nell Sweetzer (Ashley Bell) is found terrified and alone in rural Louisiana. Back in the relative safety of New Orleans, Nell realizes that she can't remember entire portions of the previous months only that she is the last surviving member of her family. Just as Nell begins the difficult process of starting a new life, the evil force that once possessed her is back with other, unimaginably horrific plans that mean her last exorcism was just the beginning.
Then there is the Cold War Thriller “Phantom”. Ed Harris plays the captain of a Cold War Soviet missile submarine who has secretly been suffering from seizures that alter his perception of reality. Forced to leave his wife and daughter, he is rushed into a classified mission, where he is haunted by his past and challenged by a rogue KGB group (led by David Duchovny) bent on seizing control of the ship's nuclear missile. With the fate of humanity in his hands, Harris discovers heas been chosen for this mission in the belief he would fail. "Phantom" is a suspense submarine thriller about extraordinary men facing impossible choices.
If those are not to your liking you could take in the Fantasy flick “Jack the Giant Slayer”. This movie tells the story of an ancient war that is reignited when a young farmhand unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing the young man, Jack, into the battle of his life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom, its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend—and gets the chance to become a legend himself.
Lastly there is the British Crime Drama “The Sweeney”. Tearing up the streets of London, "The Sweeney" is a stylish, exhilarating action thriller proving sometimes you have to act like a criminal to catch a criminal. Armed and dangerous, the Sweeney Flying Squad are old school crime fighters enforcing the law. Led by legendary detective Jack Regan (Ray Winstone) and his loyal partner, they have their own unique way of operating and always get results. With a bank heist in progress and his old enemy making a reappearance on the London crime scene, Regan will do whatever it takes to get the job done, even defying orders from his no-nonsense boss (Damian Lewis).
As far as the local teams you have several options this weekend. The Comets regular season is over with them hosting a playoff game next week and the Mavericks only having one home game this weekend. On Friday the Mavericks take on the Quad City Mallards and will be wearing their BLACK jerseys. There will be an American Red Cross Blood Drive and plenty of pre and ingame activities planned. For a full list of all the activities click here. Chuck-A-Puck is benefitting Child Abuse Prevention Association and the jackpot will be $600!
The Missouri Rhythm hosts a two game set against the Oklahoma Impact  this Saturday and Sunday.
If you are an indoor football fan and can barely wait for the Kansas City Renegades season to kickoff their inaugural season you are in luck. The team has begun their training camp at the KC Sports Lodge (19310 E. 50th Terrace, Independence, MO).  This is open to the public so you can check out KC’s newest sports team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Training camp dates:
Wednesday 2/27/13 practice #3 (8am-11am) practice #4 (1pm-4pm)
Thursday 2/28/13 practice #5 (8am-11am) practice #6 (1pm-4pm)
Friday 3/1/13 practice #7 (8am-11am) practice #8 (1pm-4pm)
Monday 3/4/13 practice #9 (8am-11am)
Tuesday 3/5/13 practice #10 (8am-11am)
Wednesday 3/6/13 practice #11 (8am-11am)
Thursday 3/7/13 practice #12 (8am-11am)
Friday 3/8/13 practice #13 (8am-11am)
For fans: Players will be available to sign autographs and take pictures after practices.
These games will be played at the Grandview Christian School. For more details check out the Rhythm site.
If you are in the mood to see some roller derby action then you are in luck. The Kansas City Roller Warriors kickoff their season this Saturday night. The action starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Over at the Sprint Center there will ne plenty of action this Saturday and Sunday. Speed! Air! Danger! It’s what makes Arenacross the premier indoor, off-road motorcycle racing championship. What separates Arenacross from traditional motorsports is its intimate close-to-the-action setting, giving fans the on-track feel of horsepower and gravity. Fans will be treated to an exciting new competitive format in 2013 with a pair of high-octane 12-lap Main Events during each night of racing on the highly-technical, air-inducing tracks of Arenacross. As reigning champion Tyler Bowers sets his sights on a third consecutive title, a highly-talented field of challengers, led by veteran Jeff Gibson, will stop at nothing to capture the coveted crown. Fans can also get a one-of-a-kind chance to meet the riders and feel the dirt at the Track Party, full of interactive experiences and the unique chance to see Arenacross up close and personal.
Kansas City will also host the Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC) that will be making its debut in Arenacross, where the future stars of the sport are showcased in a professional racing environment.
The KJSC will select 15 lucky racers for the chance of a lifetime as they live the life of a factory rider. Aboard identically prepared, factory backed 50SXS bikes these riders will be competing on the very same track as the superstars of Arenacross. The junior racers will also be provided custom racing gear and their very own crew to work on the bikes. During race day, KJSC riders will be able to participate in the rider track walk, opening ceremonies and autograph sessions just like Arenacross competitors and fellow teammates Jeff Gibson and Kelly Smith. KJSC riders will have a full day of activities, from the minute they arrive. These riders will be pitted in a state of the art KJSC race team transporter where they will gear up to begin afternoon practice laps and prepare themselves to compete in a four-lap exhibition race which takes place during the night program.
Professional Racing will be held on Saturday and Amateur Racing will take place on Sunday.
The Topeka RoadRunners return home for the first time in a month as they play two against the Wichita Falls Wildcats. One dollar from each ticket sold for Friday night’s game will be used to help send CPL David Gogian and OFC Jeff Atherly families to Washington DC for the National Police Week Memorial. The Expocentre will match each dollar collected in this effort. For more information on tickets, call 785-286-PUCK or visit the Expocentre Box Office.
Have a great and safe weekend!

July 28 Weekend Preview

Well the heat is on this summer with temperatures breaking 100 for several days. If you can stand the heat there are several activities for you this weekend.
On Friday Crown Center is having another Free Friday Flicks movie. This week’s movie is "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". So bring your blanket and lawn chairs, sit under the stars and see a great movie with thousands of your best friends on a huge outdoor screen at Crown Center Square. The Movie will begin at approximately 9 p.m. Admission is FREE. Concessions will be available for purchase. You're welcome to bring food and beverages (including alcohol), but glass containers are not permitted.
The KC Roller Warriors are holding their 2012 Rink of Fire Championship at Municipal Auditorium on Saturday. Doors open at 6PM with the first match starting at 7PM. Purchase your tickets here (or any Ticketmaster outlet) or at Municipal Auditorium’s Box Office
The Explorers are also in town with matches both Friday and Saturday night versus the Washington Kastles and the New York Sportimes respectively. The Explorers play at Barney Allis Plaza and Grandstand Seats are $10. Friday is Baseline Beach Bash with Sunglasses and leis giveaway, Dunking Booth, Miller Lite girls, Limbo and Costume contest with prize packages from Miller Lite and Sports Radio 810. Saturday is the last match of the season with a concert from The Voice.
If beer is your thing then the Crossing's World Beer Fest is for you. The event is Saturday, July 28th 12pm - 5pm in the beer garden. You will taste over 100 craft beers from around the world and an assortment of grilled food from Chef Jim and Chef Javier. Tickets are $40 in advance (CrossingTavern.com) or $45 at the door.
Later on you can head down to the Blue Room at the 18th and Vine District. The Jazz Disciples will be playing from 7pm-1am. Tickets are $13.50 and can be purchased here.
That is all for now. Have a great weekend and stay cool.