American Royal leaders propose tearing down Kemper

[aknowledgeableperson]

The American Royal has killed their plan. Ford to delay any discussion until after the first of next year. In other words same old same old.

[kboish]

Relevant article - http://www.kansascity.com/news/governme ... 39762.html

What a bunch of selfish a-holes. They literally chased off an adaptive reuse plan for no reason.

“Despite all these benefits, the City Council, media and elements of the public have not embraced the redevelopment plan, and unfortunately the current debate and negative dialogue have become a detriment to the American Royal brand and its core mission,” Maxwell wrote. “It is unfortunate that a conversation about what to do with Kemper Arena has morphed into a hostile debate on whether or not Kansas City supports the American Royal. The City has made it clear that investing in the American Royal is not a priority.”

boo-hoo

[pash]

.

[FangKC]

American Royal shelves plan to raze, replace Kemper Arena

http://tinyurl.com/mntxp7s

[FangKC]

This all went south when the American Royal demanded demolition of Kemper, and refused to consider building their new, smaller facility on the parking lot east of Kemper.

This comes across as completely lacking flexibility--seeing that they are asking the City for significant financial resources for their plan.

It is unwise to ask the City for money when at the same time you are dictating what will be done with a City facility.

[aknowledgeableperson]

and refused to consider building their new, smaller facility on the parking lot east of Kemper.

Another arena wouldn't solve the problem, it would make it worse. Still have the expense of Kemper plus add the expense of a new arena.

[FangKC]

Foutch offered to buy Kemper Arena for a youth sports facility. Had that happened, the City would no longer be responsible for Kemper.

[aknowledgeableperson]

Foutch offered to buy Kemper Arena for a youth sports facility

Which appeared to be OK with many, even though it did not follow city procedures for disposal of property. But there was objection, by those many, to turning the facility over to the AR because it didn't follow normal city procedures.

[longviewmo]

Foutch offered to buy Kemper Arena for a youth sports facility

Which appeared to be OK with many, even though it did not follow city procedures for disposal of property. But there was objection, by those many, to turning the facility over to the AR because it didn't follow normal city procedures.

What the heck? I'm pretty sure people were opposed to turning the facility over to the AR because it was a terrible deal that was trying to milk more money out of the city, not because it failed to follow "procedures".

[flyingember]

Foutch offered to buy Kemper Arena for a youth sports facility

Which appeared to be OK with many, even though it did not follow city procedures for disposal of property. But there was objection, by those many, to turning the facility over to the AR because it didn't follow normal city procedures.

I imagine that had the Fousch plan been seriously considered the same thing would have come up.

If the Royal hadn't beeen so pushy we would still be in the early stages of doing due dilligence.

[loftguy]

Arrogant self-aggrandizement. Sometimes it is created by wealth and sometimes it's just the result of choosing to be an asshole.

Now, back to the American Royal. I'm not so sure that this is 'over'. The AR boosters are not ones to lay down and let go of a desired outcome. Who knows what tack they may take. I really hope it's going to the Legends....

Their biggest error? Not recognizing the community perspective and sense of regard and value for the Royal.

I wouldn't be surprised if some hip bbq afficianados, young turk emerging civic leaders and bearded-flannel shirt wearing Jason's and Heather's aren't discussing something along the lines of teaming up with the Boulevard Brewery West Bottoms event and turning THAT into the worlds biggest barbiecue happening. That opportunity surely is not going unnoticed.

[im2kull]

The American Royal had it's 15 minutes, it's time we kick them out and start doing something to actually benefit the CITY for a change. The city is what made the AR, not the other way around. KC won't lose it's BBQ prowess because of the AR leaving..though it may gain some more!

[grovester]

I suppose we all know this will end in litigation. One would hope AR would take the high road and head for the burbs, but I don't think they're going to get the level of incentives there they would require, and they would certainly expect some going away money, if only to save face.

In the meantime expect proclamations from Polsinelli any time the city or developers offer new ideas for Kemper.

Bring on the neckbeards.

[im2kull]

I suppose we all know this will end in litigation. One would hope AR would take the high road and head for the burbs, but I don't think they're going to get the level of incentives there they would require, and they would certainly expect some going away money, if only to save face.

In the meantime expect proclamations from Polsinelli any time the city or developers offer new ideas for Kemper.

Bring on the neckbeards.

There is no litigation to be had. The city doesn't plan to get rid of Kemper, and the AR has rights to continue to USE Kemper as it exists today for 20 days of the year. No judge would allow a case where the AR tries to imply that it has further rights than what's in the contract (Like the right to demolish a public building or sue to have that done) to see the light of day. That would undermine our entire contract system because it would effectively mean that every contract is useless and non-binding.

[grovester]

The city wants to either get rid of or re-purpose Kemper.

[im2kull]

How Ironic..

These are from the old, old, old 2007 "Kemper Discussion" thread..


Tue Jun 26, 2007 1:45 pm

Mark my words; Kemper will eventually be shut down as per AEG's demand. Or, simply given to the American Royal folks.

AEG will couch it in all the usual terms: "We have a better arena"....."Acoustics were terrible there"...."The top performers won't play there any more"....."Attendees have a much better pre/post party near the P&L district"


What they're really saying tho is, they have a stake in SC and they'll protect that golden goose at all costs.

Mon Jul 09, 2007 12:05 am:

Not only was Kemper built for sports but the bonds used to build it were voted on by the public for the American Royal Show. The Governors' Building, Hale Arena, plus other buildings also are for the AR. And don't forget the parking garage, although it should not be part of the reported subsidy.

Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:51 am

Here is a quick list of FACTS that cannot be disputed with linked sources that you can copy and paste into emails to people that may be against the arena or to use yourself in any conversations you might have with people who are misinformed. These are facts and are not debatable. Please use them as much as possible.

FACT: AEG will pay all construction budget overruns and operational loses for 35 years. They are on the hook if this arena fails. They will manage the arena, not the city. Source: AEG/City letter of participation

FACT: If for any reason AEG does not sign a binding contract after the public vote (no binding contract can be signed before), no rental car or hotel fees will be collected. Source: http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/9242116.htm

FACT: Experts in the arena field, Horrow Sports Ventures, have stated that this is one of the most complete efforts he's dealt with before public vote. Source: various KC Star articles & http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascit ... 258472.htm

FACT: The arena can survive w/o an NBA/NHL team and will not sit empty. Source: Kemper arena under private management and is more full than it ever used to be based on dates used.

FACT: The anti-arena folks are attempting to misinform the public with tv ads that say without an NBA/NHL team, the arena will fail and then a week later bringing in a paid consultant saying if we DO get another pro team, the arena will fail. Source: CAAT tv ad & interview with Dan Rascher, hired by CAAT.

[DaveKCMO]

those who advocated for saving the structure are also advocating to convert the building to private ownership. no one thinks the city should be operating two arenas, including the preservationists.

[flyingember]

those who advocated for saving the structure are also advocating to convert the building to private ownership. no one thinks the city should be operating two arenas, including the preservationists.

We have four arenas downtown.
Sprint
Municipal
Hale
Kemper

Municipal auditorium contains an arena among its halls. It's reasonably well used, unlike Kemper.

edit: forgot Hale Arena

[Highlander]

I don't get the Kemper Arena love here. It is passé. We can brainstorm all day and it's still going to be difficult to come up with a legitimate use for the building that is not in direct competition to Sprint Arena. I don't know how anyone or anything changes the reality of that situation. And why would any KC taxpayer want events there? Events at Sprint Arena bring tax dollars into the P&L district which serves to reduce the tax subsidy.

[FangKC]

We have already had a proposal for reuse of Kemper as a youth sports facility by Foutch, who would buy, renovate, and operate the facility privately. It would no longer be the City's responsibility. Had the American Royal not sent a threatening letter to cease and desist negotiations with the City, that plan might still be considered by the Council.