The Ask

To celebrate Chris Long’s 50th birthday, our client envisioned an immersive evening that captured the laid-back spirit of Key West paired with the energy of a large-scale stadium production. We were invited to think beyond a traditional milestone party and craft a celebration with O’Neill Events that reflected a life well-lived. Our challenge was to transform CPKC Stadium into a tropical experience that felt personal, playful, and elevated, while preserving the relaxed, beachside essence of a Jimmy Buffett-inspired setting.

The Solution

Fresh Wata collaborated with O’Neill Events to reimagine CPKC Stadium as a refined Key West escape. The design integrated coastal-inspired menus and color palettes, customized tiki accents, lush botanical installations by Botanica KC and hundreds of beach balls to create a transportive environment with bursts of color and movement. Feathered showstoppers, strategic lighting, personalized signage, and layered textures of rattan, linen, and teak elevated the aesthetic while maintaining a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.

Live performances by Pitbull, Melissa Etheridge and a dazzling drone show energized the environment, transforming the evening into an unforgettable fusion of tropical sophistication and large-scale production. The result was a seamless experience that captured both the spirit of Key West and the rewarding delivery of a milestone celebration in the heart of Kansas City.