American Royal Announces First Events at New Kansas City, Kansas Facility This Fall

American Royal Announces First Events at New Kansas City, Kansas Facility This Fall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (April 23, 2026) – A new chapter for the American Royal will begin this fall as the organization welcomes competitors, exhibitors and the community to its new home in Kansas City, Kansas for the first time.

As part of this milestone, four of the American Royal’s cornerstone events will be held at the new facility:
• The Royal Showcase Horse Show: September 12-13
• Cutting Horse Show: September 18-21
• World Series of Barbecue®: September 30-October 4
• Fall Livestock Show: October 9-25

“This moment marks a meaningful step forward for the American Royal and the people who make it what it is,” said Pat Macy, chief executive officer of the American Royal. “These events have such deep roots, and being able to bring them to our new home is something we’ve been working toward for a long time.”

For the first time in its 127-year history, the American Royal will host events on a campus it owns. Construction on five livestock barns and an exhibition hall, which totals 390,000 square feet, is approximately 80% complete and on track for a September opening.

The new site, near 118th Street and State Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, is being developed as a year-round destination for agriculture, education and events, bringing together competition spaces, educational programming and community experiences in one location.

Looking ahead, the campus will include an 80,000-square-foot learning and engagement center designed to tell the full story of American agriculture and food systems. The two-story center will feature a 750-seat amphitheater, nine interactive exhibit zones, cooking and culinary labs, and dedicated galleries celebrating the history and champions of the American Royal.

“Having a campus with this kind of scale and flexibility allows us to build on what the American Royal has become over the past 127 years,” said Macy. “We’re excited to begin this transition to our new home and start hosting events here this fall, even as development continues. This is the beginning of the American Royal’s next chapter.”

The American Royal will continue transitioning additional events to the new facility as development progresses, with a goal of fully relocating by 2029. Some events and operations will remain in the West Bottoms during this transition. The organization remains committed to its deep roots in the Kansas City region and continuing its purpose of championing food and agriculture.

Event details will be updated at americanroyal.com/about/ournewhome. For questions, contact [email protected] and follow the American Royal Association on social media for the latest updates.

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About the American Royal Association
A Kansas City tradition since 1899, the American Royal is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to be the nation’s leader for food and agriculture education, events, and engagement. The American Royal provides opportunities for nearly half a million youth and adults from around the world to engage in high-quality events and experiences, including nationally competitive livestock shows, the world’s largest barbecue competition, regional and national equine shows, youth and professional rodeos, and elementary and secondary education outreach. Support from partners, members, and volunteers help the American Royal achieve its vision of a world where food and agriculture are celebrated, and all generations are committed to its future.

Media Contact:
Julie Warner, AdFarm
417-298-5968
[email protected]

Allyssa King, American Royal
913-244-1652
[email protected]