The American Royal is closer to relocating from the West Bottoms to western Wyandotte County after the Unified Government (UG) approved a $155 million STAR bond deal, a community improvement district, and a final development agreement. The move will be funded by local and state sales tax revenues, and the project’s first phase, costing $375 million, includes arenas, a barn, an exhibit hall, and more, with completion aimed for 2026. The total project, which had an initial budget of $160 million, has grown to $450 million over the past decade.

The vote came after a public hearing where most of the 36 participants expressed support. Some residents raised concerns about rising property taxes, though officials noted that future sales tax revenue could offer relief.

The first construction phase will feature three arenas, a barn, exhibit hall, and community kitchen, aiming to make Wyandotte a hub for food and agriculture events. American Royal hopes to complete this phase by 2026. Economic projections suggest $146 million in visitor spending by then, along with an increase in property tax revenues once a TIF district ends at Plaza at the Speedway.