|
Kansas City, Mo. – Think you have what it takes to follow in the footsteps of Kansas City hero and American Idol champ David Cook? Come to Kansas City and find out. The city is the only Midwestern stop for American Idol’s Season 8 Auditions, which will be held August 8 at Kemper Arena, with registration beginning August 6.
"American Idol Auditions will not only bring a national spotlight to Kansas City, but they’ll attract thousands of people to the region over several days," said Rick Hughes, president of the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association. "Kansas City has experienced a $5 billion building boom that will give visitors new things to see and do in their downtime, including a new eight-block entertainment district and several new museums. We look forward to showing off Kansas City's traditions and major new attractions to visitors auditioning for American Idol."
Approximately 15,000 people are anticipated to audition in Kansas City. Auditioners are encouraged to register at Kemper Arena on August 6 or 7, which is located just west of downtown Kansas City. Auditions start on August 8. No overnight camping will be allowed at Kemper Arena. For complete information about auditions, go to www.americanidol.com.
Visitors needing a hotel are encouraged to book as soon as possible. A citywide convention will occupy many of the rooms near Kemper Arena while American Idol Auditions are being held in Kansas City. Visitors can search for hotel rooms, special offers and find out what’s new in Kansas City at VisitKC.com.
Five new attractions visitors can discover
while in town for American Idol Auditions
Kansas City Power & Light District
The largest new development in the Midwest is re-energizing downtown Kansas City. More than 20 businesses are now open in this vibrant eight-block entertainment district, offering everything from fine dining to line dancing. When completed later this year, the district will feature more than 40 restaurants and entertainment venues.
College Basketball Experience
The opening of the College Basketball Experience last October further cemented the city’s reputation as a basketball hotbed. The CBE offers high-energy exhibits that recreate the intensity of a college basketball game, from foul-line hecklers to a last-second buzzer beater, and houses the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
Bloch Building at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is one of America's most comprehensive general art museums. From ceramic objects found in ancient Chinese tombs to whimsical sculptures of giant badminton birdies on its lawn, the Nelson’s collection features 34,500 items spanning more than 5,000 years of humanity. In June 2007, the museum opened the Bloch Building, which expanded the Nelson by 71 percent. The Bloch Building was named Time magazine's "top architectural marvel of 2007."
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
Kansas City leapt to the short list of American metropolitan areas of its size with two major contemporary art museums when the Nerman opened last fall. Located on the campus of Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan., the Nerman features temporary exhibition galleries, permanent collection galleries, a new media gallery and an intimate “focus” gallery, and houses the college's renowned Oppenheimer Collection.
Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
The Money Museum offers a priceless opportunity to learn about the nation’s financial system through interactive exhibits explaining banking, the economy and the Federal Reserve. The Museum also houses the Truman Coin collection, showcasing coins produced by the U.S. Mint during every presidential administration up to Jimmy Carter.
## KC ##
Photo Credit: Photos Courtesy of the Kansas City Convention
& Visitors Association
|
|
|
College Basketball Experience
Caption: Located in the new Sprint Center, this attraction celebrates college basketball by placing visitors in electrifying, game-like situations. Photo credit: Erik Miner
Download:
Low-Res; High-Res
|
 |
|
|
Kemper Arena
Caption: Located in Kansas City's West Bottoms, Kemper Arena hosts major concerts and events like the American Royal each fall.
Download:
Low-Res; High-Res
|
|
|
|
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Bloch Building
Caption: The new Bloch Building at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art opened on June 9, 2007.
Download:
Low-Res; High-Res
|
|
|
|
|
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
Caption: The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art opened on Oct. 27, 2007, on the campus of Johnson County Community College.
Download:
Low-Res; High-Res
|
|
