Month: July 2016

The Kansas City, Kan., Board of Public Utilities is reminding players of the popular Pokémon Go game to stay far away from power plants, electric substations and other electric equipment.

The augmented reality application sends players on the hunt to “catch” animated Pokémon characters that appear overlaid on a live scene viewed through a phone. As players move to various locations to find new characters, it is important that players stay aware of their surroundings and keep clear of electric equipment.

“We know you want to #CatchEmAll, but always do so at a safe distance from electric substations and other electric equipment,” said David Mehlhaff, BPU Chief Communications Officer. “Entering an electric substation is both a crime and incredibly dangerous, and members of the public should never attempt to gain access for any reason. Another capture is not worth the risk of serious injury. Utilities cannot control where the Pokémon appear, making it important for players to make sure they catch their Pokémon from a safe distance.”

Mehlhaff added that online threads are reporting the “electric” type of Pokémon can be found near electrical sites.

BPU urges parents of children who play the game to talk to them about how to be safe around electricity, and to always heed all instructions on signs and warnings related to electric equipment.

Safety tips:
• Stay out of electrical facilities, such as substations and power plants, even if the game leads to that equipment.
• Never touch electrical equipment, including transformers and power lines.
• Never enter an active work zone, which could contain moving equipment and excavations.
• Do not climb power poles or throw things into power lines.
• Stay away from power lines that have fallen because they can still be energized.
• Power lines near trees also pose a danger; exercise caution and check for power lines before climbing a tree.

Two area attractions are jumping into the Pokemon Go craze.

The Kansas City T-Bones have announced that they will be holding a Pokemon Go day on Saturday, July 23, at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan.

The gates will be open from noon to 3 p.m. for anyone who wants to play or download the Pokemon Go app.

Participants will pay $5 to enter CommunityAmerica Ballpark at Gate A — a Poke Stop — and search the stadium for Pokemon. There will be Lure Modules in the stadium, as well. Prizes will be awarded to the three people who collect the most Pokemon. The three prizes: a suite at an upcoming T-Bones game, a bat autographed by Frank White, the chance to throw a first pitch at an upcoming T-Bones game.

The T-Bones will open the Shock Top Bar, and concessions will be available, too. Besides the ability to find Pokemon in the stadium, the $5 includes a general admission ticket to that night’s 7:05 game against Winnipeg.

“Pokemon Go is taking the world by storm, including sports stadiums,” said Morgan Kolenda, the T-Bones’ director of promotions and marketing. “The more populated the area, the more Pokemon characters can be found and caught. It’s a fun game that helps users get up, walk around, and search for more. Plus, it’s just $5 for a ticket to Saturday night’s game, and we’ve got postgame fireworks that night! So it’s really a great deal and a whole lot of fun…well done.”

The point of Pokemon Go is to collect the most Pokemon. A Poke Stop is designed to help a player earn more Poke Balls in order to capture a Pokemon. The stop will also allow an egg to appear, which is a new character that has yet to be earned. Along with Poke Balls and an egg, when spinning the Poke Stop, players can earn potions to help heal their Pokemons in battle, and they can also earn an incense, which can be used to help surround a player with Pokemons for 30 minutes. Tickets are available at the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

Schlitterbahn, in the meantime, is holding PokeBahn lure parties.

According to a spokesman, visitors are invited to play Pokemon Go at the waterpark in Kansas City, Kan.

Visitors can even take a phone with a waterproof case with them while tubing at the park, the spokesman said.

The Kansas City, Kan., waterpark will hold PokeBahn lure parties on Wednesday and Sunday, from 3 to 6 p.m. Admission to the park is required for the event.