The American Royal began in 1899 as the National Hereford Show in the heart of the Kansas City Stockyards and has evolved into a comprehensive season of food and agriculture activity with yearlong impact. Today, the American Royal is home to a nationally competitive youth livestock show, the world’s largest barbecue competition, a national equine championship, youth and professional rodeos, elementary and secondary education outreach, and a collegiate scholarship program.

However, just as the food and agriculture industry has adapted to changing consumer demands, new production models, practices and technologies, it is also important for the American Royal to offer a 21st century experience for exhibitors, spectators, and other partners and visitors, while still holding true to its vision and mission of promoting and celebrating American agricultural education and values.

Upon identifying the need for updated facilities, the American Royal and its board of directors explored a variety of options to set the association up for its next century of success. Benchmarking efforts took place across North America to research other facilities and determine the scope of the American Royal. Renovations of the existing facility in Kansas City, Missouri were considered, however other avenues provided greater opportunity. Owning its own facility would allow the American Royal to control its future, expand beyond its current 14 weeks of annual programming, and grow into a year-round destination for events, education, and engagement.

After significant research and conversations with key partners, the American Royal announced its relocation to Wyandotte County, Kansas in 2016.

It is here the concept of an educational “epicenter” was born to serve as a destination to provide agricultural education, to break the stereotypes around food production and farming, to educate consumers on where their food comes from, and to inspire innovation and ideas in the industry and in the global food security challenge.