In case you have been living in a cave or under a rock for the last few years, than you probably missed the major developments that have taken place in Kansas City. The state-of-art Sprint Center arena, new downtown nightlife and entertainment district and a little addition to the Nelson-Atkins Museum Time magazine called the "#1 Architectural Marvel" of the year.

So, what is happening in 2009 to continue re-defining this vibrant, cosmopolitan city? Here are our picks for nine reasons why Kansas City will continue to generate buzz in 2009.

1. 40th Anniversary of KC’s Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration

The week-long MLK commemoration in Kansas City is one of the nation’s largest tributes to the famous civil rights activist. The city marks the 40th anniversary of this celebration with a week full of live entertainment, speakers and workshops.

2. Kansas City is a College Basketball Mecca

Kansas City has hosted more Final Fours and more NCAA basketball games than any other city in the country. And it’s once again hosting the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, March 19 & 21. KC is also the home of the College Basketball Experience and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

3. 100th Anniversary of the Kansas City Zoo

The year 2009 marks the centennial anniversary of the Kansas City Zoo, which has grown into the nation’s 10th largest zoo and one of “America's Best Zoos in 2008" according to The Intrepid Traveler magazine.

4. The New Kauffman Stadium / Reopening April 10

The Kansas City Royals’ new Kauffman Stadium promises to be one of the best ballparks in Major League Baseball. The $250 million renovation includes more intimate seating throughout the park, wider concourses, a new bar and restaurant and a Royals Hall of Fame.

5. The Prowler at Worlds of Fun / Opening April 18

This summer, Worlds of Fun is adding a seventh roller coaster to its thrill inventory—the wooden Prowler. The new scream machine will offer a smooth, “bobsled-like” ride, an 85-foot initial drop and speeds of up to 51 mph.

6. Heartland Harvest Garden at Powell Gardens / Opening summer 2009

Powell Gardens is opening the largest garden of its kind in the country—a 100-percent-edible, 12-acre Heartland Harvest Garden that will show the path of food from seed to plate.

7. Schlitterbahn Water Resort / Opening summer 2009

Kansas City is unveiling one of the world’s largest tubing parks this summer. Schlitterbahn Water Resort features miles of interconnected rivers and signature attractions such as the Master Blaster uphill water coaster.

8. Tour of Missouri / September 7-13

With Lance Armstrong’s return to professional cycling, the world can expect renewed interest in the sport. KC will once again be a part of Tour of Missouri, which is one of the nation’s top cycling events, ranking only behind the Tour of California.

9. Advertising Icon Museum / Opening fall 2009

The Advertising Icon Museum will provide a unique look at how advertising shapes our lives and will feature the world’s largest collection of 3-D advertising icons.