American Royal moving to Kansas Speedway

[Bowser]

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - In yet another sign of the changing dynamics of Kansas City, the American Royal is moving its World Series of Barbecue to the Kansas Speedway.

Dates for the 2016 event, which draws hundreds of barbecue competitors from around the country, will be October 26-30.

This is a huge development in the ongoing tug between Kansas City’s historic past, and its dynamic future.

The American Royal has been a Kansas City, Missouri tradition since 1899. Its home has been the West Bottoms, Hale Arena and Kemper for years.

With ongoing debate of do we or don’t we put money into the area, the American Royal found a new venue last year for its ever-growing and hugely popular barbecue competition. The organization partnered with the Kansas City Chiefs and moved the competition to Arrowhead Stadium.

Both the American Royal and Arrowhead were excited about the change. The event was held in October 2015. There was more room for the 618 teams who would eventually participate.

But, there was a “but.”

For the second year in a row the Royals were playing at Kaufmann Stadium well into October. There were record crowds for Royals games as the team approached its postseason with an undeniable hunger for a World Series title.

The fact the World Series of Barbecue would happen at the same complex as the Royals’ World Series run seemed poetically appropriate.

Moving forward, though, holding the world’s largest barbecue competition at the same time as October baseball, and during football season, presented huge logistical challenges.

The reason for Thursday’s announcement – scheduling conflicts.

According to the American Royal Organization:


“A move to the Speedway location was necessitated due to the American Royal’s fall dates and scheduling conflicts at the Truman Sports Complex.”

The future of the American Royal barbecue competition

While there are, no doubt, mixed emotions about the changing dynamics of the city, the American Royal, and the future of both, there are also people really excited about it.

“The future is bright – and smoke filled – for the Worlds Series of Barbecue,” said Angie Stanland, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Royal.

The Kansas Speedway folks are excited, too.

“Every year, people from around the city and around the country circle this event on their calendar. We’re looking forward to showing all the contestants and fans a great time at our unique venue,” said Pat Warren, Kansas Speedway President.

The Chiefs understand the move, but hope to get the event back.

“The 2015 World Series of BBQ was an incredible partnership with Arrowhead and the American Royal. We will continue to partner and support the event with the hope of bringing it back to Arrowhead in the near future,” said Chiefs President Mark Donovan.

The World Series of Barbecue is just one of many events and activities put on by the American Royal each year. This move won’t be the last change as the organization tries to determine how to remain relevant and grow in a city – a region – they feel very much is their home - even if they aren’t sure where their home will eventually be.


http://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/...ansas-speedway

[Bowser]

Crimedotte sure has come a long way in the last decade. That area of it, anyway.

[BWillie]

Awesome. Despite what just happened to the cop recently, it's a pretty safe area. Now if you go about 5 miles East, not so much.

[Stewie]

Much closer to me, so that's good. Parking prices at Arrowhead were ridiculous, so I'm hoping that changes.

[kcfanXIII]

I hated the event at Arrowhead last year. Felt too corporate. I'm sure the facilities at the speedway will be great, but it just doesn't have the same feel. That and not being able to buy a bracelet to get in a tent sucked. According to the people I talked too, Arrowhead was being bitches about beer sales. I guess they wanted to corner the market. So instead of being able to buy a $20 dollar bracelet for all you can eat food and drink, we just wandered around, bought a couple of 5 dollar beers, and left.

[BlackHelicopters]

Didn't realize crime was a problem around the speedway area and surrounding area.

[WhawhaWhat]

I'll wait until it goes back to Kemper.

[Bowser]

Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat

I'll wait until it goes back to Kemper.

Put vendors inside of Kemper as well around it. Maybe they'll free up some parking that way and make the venue a bit more accessible that way.

[KCUnited]

Seems rather petty moving it out to the speedway.

[Bowser]

Originally Posted by KCUnited

Seems rather petty moving it out to the speedway.

You put forth some effort on that post and have certainly earnhardt this applause -

[Strongside]

Just pick a spot and stay there already. This Tour De Royal is ****ing ridiculous.

[TribalElder]

I blame that shitty BBQ list from St. Louis

[KCUnited]

I'd like to thank the Kingsford, Weber, Big Green Egg, Royal Oak, Thermapen, BUTT RUBBIN' SOUL BROTHAS down in Tonganoxie...you know who you are!!!, and the Duraflame, mesquite wood, SWEET & SASSY SISTERS from CAPE MOTHER****ING GARAGE DOOR...we made it ladies!!!, and that honey that comes in the plastic bear thingy, Reynolds Wrap, Char-Broil, Home Depot, all 100% WAGYU BRISKET for this grand champion prize here at the American Royal.

[Eleazar]

Last time I went to it, unless you were in some corporate tent you couldn't even get any barbecue. All we could buy were overpriced beers. A BBQ where you can't eat - BRILLIANT!

Stupid event, never went back.

[Stewie]

Originally Posted by Cochise

Last time I went to it, unless you were in some corporate tent you couldn't even get any barbecue. All we could buy were overpriced beers. A BBQ where you can't eat - BRILLIANT!

Stupid event, never went back.

That's the gub'ment. If you show up without knowing any team members you're screwed. It has nothing to do with corporations, it has to do with the health department. Been that way for several years now.