New investments are enhancing the Kansas City Convention Center campus and creating a more modern meetings destination in the Midwest.
Kansas City leaders have committed $75 million to restoring some of the center’s historic event spaces, the first step in a proposed multi-phase plan. Many renovations are already underway, and the recently approved Vision Plan is giving meeting planners more to look forward to in the Heart of America.
Restoring Historic Venues
In August 2026, Kansas City voters approved a $100 million bond with $75 million of that set aside for the city’s convention and entertainment facilities, including the historic Municipal Auditorium, the Music Hall and Bartle Hall.
Municipal Auditorium, which includes Municipal Arena, the Music Hall, the Little Theatre and the lower Exhibit Hall, opened in 1935 and was dedicated a year later with President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the keynote speaker.
In the decades since, Municipal Auditorium has seen incredible history, hosting more NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Fours than any other single venue in the country. Today, it’s the site of touring Broadway productions, national sports tournaments, and the new home of the University of Missouri-Kansas City men’s basketball team.
City leaders are moving forward with the first phase of the Kansas City Convention Center and Municipal Auditorium Vision Plan, which will equip these historic sites with new technology and state-of-the-art amenities.
The first phase, targeted for 2028, includes:
- modernized arena seating, restrooms and concessions;
- better accessibility;
- preservation of the Music Hall;
- and exterior upgrades to connect the building to Barney Allis Plaza.
Barney Allis Plaza
Set to open in early 2027, Barney Allis Plaza will be one of Downtown Kansas City‘s premier outdoor gathering spaces, giving meeting planners more than 30,000 square feet of flexible event space and attendees a new place to unwind between sessions.
The first phase of the Vision Plan includes exterior improvements to Municipal Auditorium that will better connect the historic venue to the plaza.
The revitalized plaza will feature landscaped green spaces, a pavilion, public art and multiple outdoor areas designed to accommodate everything from casual gatherings to receptions and special events.
Located just steps from the Convention Center, Municipal Auditorium and nearby hotels, Barney Allis Plaza will also put attendees within a few blocks of the iconic Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the eight-block Kansas City Power & Light District and the free-to-ride KC Streetcar.
The Next Decade
Looking beyond the first phase of renovations, the Vision Plan lays out a long-term approach to updating the Kansas City Convention Center campus over the next decade.
Future phases could include expanded meeting and event space at Bartle Hall, and better connections between the Convention Center’s existing facilities. One proposed addition is a new central lobby connecting Municipal Auditorium to the Conference Center, making it easier for attendees to move between events.
While plans are still taking shape, these improvements would build on the investments already underway, including interior renovations and upgraded amenities throughout the convention center. Kansas City is also starting construction nearby on Roy Blunt Luminary Park, an urban greenspace designed to connect Downtown and the Crossroads Arts District.
Connect with our team to learn more about these new developments and discover how the Heart of America can support your next event.
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