WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) – Fans lined up at Intrust Bank Arena on Sunday looking forward to the Justin Timberlake concert, one of downtown Wichita’s last major events of 2024. As downtown Wichita is ready to say “Bye, Bye ‘Bye’ to free parking. “I’ve always been a 2000s girl,” said concertgoer Ashton Patry outside the arena. “My mother gave birth to me when I was 18 years old. I’m 26 now so she always approached him when she was younger. And I grew up with his sound.” It’s been more than 20 years since pop star Justin Timberlake performed at Air Capitol. Fans were happy to see the superstar and said big shows like this are good for Wichita. “I really believe that great artists putting their trust in it definitely helps Wichita,” said concertgoer Chailyn Dickinson. “It brings other people from the area to Wichita and downtown and shows what Wichita and downtown Wichita has to offer.” This is likely the last major concert in Wichita before the city implements metered parking throughout downtown. Although the issue remains controversial, concertgoers we spoke to think it might not be such a bad idea. “I want Wichita to gain experience rather than just going out and partying with your friends,” Patry said. “So I think there could be positive benefits to it if it’s affordable.” Dickinson agrees, saying that while she doesn’t like the additional costs, it could potentially have a positive impact on the city’s ability to do so Improve the city center. “It’s a little frustrating, but I mean, everyone has to make a living,” Dickinson said. The City Council had planned to discuss plans for paid parking downtown again this week, but city staff have recommended postponing it until the Dec. 17 council meeting.

READ MORE