Food and Drink American Royal moving to Kansas Speedway - Page 2

**Bowser** · 05-12-2016, 12:17 PM

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

**dirk digler** · 05-12-2016, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewie

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.

Maybe the move to KS will resolve that issue? I have been to chili and bbq competitions a few times and they all served samples.

kcfanXIII · 05-12-2016, 03:36 PM

you used to be able to buy your way into tents. Pay a cover, get food a beverages for the night. Arrowhead 86ed that by saying you could only sell beer through arrowhead's vendors...
Couldn't even pay to get in a tent.

sedated · 05-12-2016, 03:44 PM

I'm not sure of the details because I always stuck to our company's tent, but a couple years ago I passed a bunch of food truck type setups that were selling BBQ. I had heard the rumors that you couldn't buy BBQ there so that surprised me.

The move to Arrowhead and the systematic methods for separating guests from their money doesn't surprise me one bit.

Halfcan · 05-12-2016, 04:06 PM

Quote:

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.

This is how it was in Weston-one table and the BBQ brisket was out of a tub you buy at Sam's Club. Terrible.

WhawhaWhat · 05-12-2016, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

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.

I think that taking the buses into the area was what made the event fun. Tons of people with nowhere else to go and ready to party all night.

The Arrowhead version was absolutely awful.

Dragonocho · 05-12-2016, 08:37 PM

Kansas Speedway will offer easier access and free parking if their track record holds. A barbecue contest like the Royal should be about the, you know, barbecue. If the Chiefs and KCMO are greedy then it can't hurt to give KCK a shot to redeem the event.

**TribalElder** · 05-12-2016, 08:43 PM

Fear of another royals World Series caused scheduling concerns

**** that event anyway

unlurking · 05-12-2016, 08:51 PM

I've always wanted to go. But no actual BBQ to sample? WTF?!

**TribalElder** · 05-12-2016, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unlurking

I've always wanted to go. But no actual BBQ to sample? WTF?!

It's the ultimate troll

An event that sounds fun but when you get there it's only fun for a few minutes then it sucks, just like a nascar race

BWillie · 05-13-2016, 08:03 AM

Quote:

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.

Yeah unless you are competing in it, no real reason to go. It's sad, it could be so much better.

Deberg_1990 · 05-13-2016, 08:44 AM

Does anyone even care about the rodeo anymore?

R Clark · 05-13-2016, 08:47 AM

Only the people competing

Halfcan · 05-13-2016, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unlurking

I've always wanted to go. But no actual BBQ to sample? WTF?!

I was told by a competitor in Weston this-

1. Can't give out free samples anymore because of Health Department rules.

2. Can't sell BBQ- because they are Not businesses and don't have a Tax I.D. number and Sales Tax account.

But you can walk around and SMELL for FREE and watch guys sitting in lawn chairs smoking meat and drinking beer.

**gblowfish** · 05-13-2016, 09:28 AM

Corporate Cliques ruined it. Now it's just another big networking opportunity for fat cats.

stevieray · 05-13-2016, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCUnited

Seems rather petty moving it out to the speedway.

Ya, Dick move.

05-12-2016, 12:17 PM
Bowser sorta mod-ish Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: KC North Casino cash: $3521616	American Royal moving to Kansas Speedway 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
Posts: 100,455

05-12-2016, 03:36 PM	#17
kcfanXIII Ride on! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Galaxy far far away Casino cash: $10013172	you used to be able to buy your way into tents. Pay a cover, get food a beverages for the night. Arrowhead 86ed that by saying you could only sell beer through arrowhead's vendors... Couldn't even pay to get in a tent. __________________ Faster, faster, until the thrill of speed, overcomes the fear of death.
Posts: 5,470

05-12-2016, 08:37 PM	#21
Dragonocho Artist of the Bob Ross School Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Lansing Casino cash: $10000533	Kansas Speedway will offer easier access and free parking if their track record holds. A barbecue contest like the Royal should be about the, you know, barbecue. If the Chiefs and KCMO are greedy then it can't hurt to give KCK a shot to redeem the event.
Posts: 884

05-12-2016, 08:43 PM	#22
TribalElder Arrowhead Trail of Tears Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: KansasCity Casino cash: $2480441	Fear of another royals World Series caused scheduling concerns **** that event anyway
Posts: 29,111

05-12-2016, 08:51 PM	#23
unlurking MVP Join Date: Aug 2003 Casino cash: $7737309	I've always wanted to go. But no actual BBQ to sample? WTF?! __________________
Posts: 10,620

05-13-2016, 08:44 AM	#26
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $3914454	Does anyone even care about the rodeo anymore? __________________ Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning: Matt once made a very nice play in Seattle where he spun away from a pass rusher and hit Bowe off his back foot for a first down. One of the best plays Matt has ever made.
Posts: 66,914

05-13-2016, 08:47 AM	#27
R Clark Veteran Join Date: Aug 2001 Casino cash: $4864900	Only the people competing
Posts: 2,600

05-13-2016, 09:28 AM	#29
gblowfish Be Kind To Your Pets Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Glorious Independence, MO Casino cash: $17686178 VARSITY	Corporate Cliques ruined it. Now it's just another big networking opportunity for fat cats.
Posts: 40,830