Come Together for the Cup

Economy

Missouri Kicks in $50M for the World Cup

After winning a bid to host the 2026 World Cup, Kansas City has received $50 million in funding from the state of Missouri to prepare for the FIFA World Cup. Here are three reasons why this is a big deal:

• Big Improvements: Kansas City is one of 16 cities in the US hosting World Cup matches in 2026. With the new funding, the city will be able to upgrade its facilities with improvements being planned for Arrowhead Stadium.

• Visiting Teams: The World Cup is the largest sporting event in the world, and hosting matches will assuredly bring international attention and tourism to KC. Qatar, the host of the 2022 World Cup, saw over a million foreign visitors last year.

• Economic Goals: The funding will also benefit the local economy, creating jobs and generating revenue for businesses in the area. According to a study by the Kansas City Sports Commission, hosting just one World Cup match could have an economic impact of up to $30 million.

Events

The Plaza’s 100th Birthday Party 🎂

The Country Club Plaza, one of Kansas City's most iconic and fountain-filled destinations, is turning 100 and you’re invited to the birthday party. There probably won’t be a cake with 100 candles, but there will be lots of things to do for the celebration.

• The Event: The Plaza's centennial celebration will take place June 3rd from 11-5 pm, and will include a variety of activities for the whole family. From live music to a guided tour of the history of the Plaza, the celebration will have something for everyone.

• Free Topsy’s: Centennial-themed food and drinks, including alcohol, will be available for purchase from The Classic Cup Café. Free Topsy’s popcorn will also be served while supplies last.

• For the Fam: Kid-friendly activities will take place throughout the day, including face painting, balloon art, a caricature artist, and photo opportunities with the iconic Plaza bunnies. There will also be a photo booth and giveaways featuring Centennial-branded swag.

• The Week Of: Even though the celebration will be on the 3rd, Plaza-goers will have the opportunity to find special products and promotions from restaurants and retailers all throughout the entire week.

Real Estate

American Royal Builds New Home

The American Royal, a Kansas City-based nonprofit that celebrates agriculture and the region's Western heritage, is making moves to greener pastures (literally). The organization broke ground on a new location in Wyandotte County just northwest of the KC Speedway.

• Goodbye, West Bottoms: The American Royal is moving from its longtime home in the West Bottoms to a new, larger facility in Kansas City, Kansas. The new space will allow the organization to expand its programs and events, including its popular barbecue competition and livestock show.

• BBQ Masters: The Royal is known for hosting its annual World Series of Barbecue at the KC Speedway.

• Local Partners: Working with JE Dunn on the nearly 850K square foot space, the new home will serve as a testament to the organization's commitment to promoting agriculture and education in the region.

Sports

Chiefs To Kick Off the 2023 NFL Season

The upcoming NFL season schedule was released this past week, and things look pretty good for Chiefs fans as they are slated to play a league-leading six primetime games. As is customary, the Super Bowl Champions will kick things off by playing the NFL’s first game of the season against the Detroit Lions.

• Kickoff: The Chiefs will face off against the Detroit Lions in a first-week matchup under the Thursday night lights on September 7th. You won’t want to miss it, and tickets are on sale now.

• Celebrating Greatness: For the second time in four years, the Kansas City Chiefs will start the season at Arrowhead with a world champion celebration, unveiling the Super Bowl LVII championship banner.

• Roaring Lions: The Chiefs won’t want to overlook this first-week opponent as they will be facing off against a Lions team that barely missed the playoffs last year and will be looking to make a statement.

KC Daily Picks

In Other News

• 🐣Birth Announcement: The KC Zoo is welcoming its newest family member. A baby Bornean orangutan boy was born to its mother, Josie, last week.

• 🤩Local Celebs: The Big Slick is returning to KC June 2-3 hosted by local celebrities Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, and Jason Sudeikis. Guests this year will include Darius Rucker, Aisling Bea, Tim Heidecker, and more.

• 🧚Last Call for Neverland: This is the final week that the KC Rep will be performing Peter Pan and Wendy at the Spencer Theatre.

• ☕Coffee on the Big Screen: Local coffee camper Wild Way was featured on a scene of the new Peacock show The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning