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No. 16: Kansas City
Score: 38.9
K.C. is the global epicenter of sports architecture, as AECOM, Bigelow Cos., Crawford Architects, Dimensional Innovations, Generator Studio, HNTB, HOK, Manica Architecture, Pendulum Studio, Populous and others have a significant presence there. Additionally, T-Mobile Center seems to be in every bid conversation, as a host to the USA Gymnastics Championships and NCAA Division I postseason tournaments in nearly every indoor sport. A new $37 million soccer complex and an under-construction $125 million, indoor multipurpose venue will bolster its already strong reputation as a popular destination for amateur sports tournaments, and the KC Current are building the world’s first women’s pro soccer-specific stadium. The $123 average hotel room rate is lower than all but three major league markets.
142.2
Decibels recorded at Arrowhead Stadium for a 2014 Chiefs vs. Patriots game, the highest recording ever at a U.S. sporting event.
Sponsors: The market’s most active brands are TicketSmarter and Applebee’s.
What they’re saying: “ANY team owner, developer or investor is going to travel to Mecca, and the brain trust that is there, to seek out what is the latest in venue design, venue operations and fan experiences.” — D.B.
