I wish the Royal the absolute best and look forward to seeing what the future holds for the organization. "As we close this chapter of the American Royal’s story here in Kansas City, Missouri, I’m reminded of our City’s proud agricultural heritage and am appreciative of the partnership we’ve had with the American Royal for generations. Mayor Sly James issued a statement on the American Royal decision:
The American Royal’s move to Kansas is about relevancy for an organization that had seen declining ticket sales, crumbling facilities at the hands of the landlord – the city - and a loss of its largest event space, Kemper Arena. It’s not ideal, but as long as we have (the city’s) support, particularly in the next 3 to 5 years, I think it will work well,” said Stanland. And it does hamper us from some of our larger equestrian events. “It certainly hampered our growth and any expansion we may have in the West Bottoms. But what would that mean for the American Royal? The designation paved the way for the city and Foutch Brothers to move forward with their plans for Kemper. On September 9, the application for historic designation was signed and Kemper Arena was added to the Register. Timeline information courtesy the Missouri Historical Society. But those plans were contingent on Kemper receiving historic status from the National Register of Historic Places.Ĭlick to move through a timeline of the American Royal. The new plans for Kemper include selling it to Foutch Brothers and changing the structure so much that the American Royal could no longer use it. Kemper, of course, is one of the buildings listed in the lease for use by the American Royal, even if only for a handful of days each year. The city, along with local developer Foutch Brothers, declared a new future for Kemper Arena as a youth sports complex. The “move” Stanland is referencing is the one announced earlier this year, the one some feel was a definitive blow to the American Royal and its current location. But if the city feels the move that they’ve made is a successful move, we are incredibly supportive.” It’s hurt us a little bit with some of our equestrian shows. I’d be remiss to say if we weren’t sad that Kemper Arena is not part of the American Royal complex anymore. “We have a lease until 2045 and they are our current home and will be our home as we go through this process. “We have a strong partnership with Kansas City, Missouri,” said Angie Stanland, Chairman of the American Royal Board. The American Royal said the new complex will include arena space, exhibit space, a barn/expo space, and a new agriculture education center and museum. It has a new mission statement, renewed focus and energy, and will soon have a new home, despite a long lease with the City of Kansas City. Now both are searching for relevant futures which, on the surface, don’t look to mesh.Īfter more than a century in Kansas City, Missouri, the American Royal is moving from the city’s historic West Bottoms to newly-thriving Wyandotte County, Kansas. It exists because of the city’s Cowtown history, and it has struggled as the city – and some would say the nation – has moved in a different direction. It gives scholarships and prize money to stand-out competitors, and it supports and encourages the agriculture life. A nonprofit started in 1899, it draws people from all over for livestock competitions, horse shows, rodeos and a barbecue competition. In the other corner, you have the American Royal. Others want to hold on to history and make it a part of the city’s future.
People living here who are in favor of a new reputation for the city are anxious for the new and want little to do with the old, and certainly nothing to do with cows. The people of Kansas City are a divided lot. A city with a rich history in livestock and cattle – especially during the 1900s – but one that has since focused more on technology, street cars, and a fancy new events center. In one corner, you have the city of Kansas City, Missouri. The American Royal and Kansas City: Two players, one past, two futures The American Royal is much more than a BBQ competition A timeline of the American Royal's history
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