Bigger Than You Think
Touring the livestock barns at the new American Royal.
Learning about the new facility with American Royal President, Jackie McClaskey.
At its August meeting and luncheon, Agricultural Business Council members were introduced to the progress and scale of the American Royal’s new grounds and facilities, which are expected to be fully up and running in 2028. The tour revealed the impressive breadth and scope of construction involving advanced design, engineering, fabrication and technology systems. The primary facilities in the new American Royal campus will include five livestock barns and an exhibition hall that will cover 390,000 square feet. The livestock barns and stables will have 3,774 cattle ties and 1,528 horse stalls, with space also for 2,500 small animals.
The grounds will also include an 80,000 square foot, two-floor learning and engagement center that is intended to present a comprehensive history of American agriculture. The two-story center will feature a 750-seat amphitheater, nine interactive exhibit zones, and cooking and culinary labs. Additionally, there will be galleries celebrating the history and champions of the American Royal.
The only thing that might have dwarfed the tour itself of this emerging megaproject was the magnitude of the vision that the American Royal’s President & Chief Innovation Officer Jackie McClaskey and CEO Pat Macy have for the Royal’s strategic plan for growth, education and cultural impact. “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 in earlier remarks. “We’re excited to begin this transition to our new home and start hosting events here this fall, even as development continues.”
The American Royal is the cornerstone of the local agricultural culture and economy in Kansas City, noted McClaskey. But there’s more. “It is the first of its kind, and it is located at the epicenter of U.S. agriculture, both figuratively and literally speaking.” It is positioned to become one of the nation’s premier destinations for agricultural education, entertainment and engagement. By infusing tradition with modernity, the American Royal continues to thrive as a vital part of the region's identity, ensuring its relevance for future generations. The American Royal’s economic impact locally and regionally extends far beyond the event days, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Currently, it contributes $92 million annually to the local economy. But McClaskey projects that the Royal’s local and regional economic impact could approach half a billion dollars over the next ten years.
Consumers have high demands but little knowledge about their food, McClaskey said. “But our goal, our vision is to create a world where the agricultural industry is understood, respected and celebrated.”
Upcoming
A new era 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 this fall.
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