The American Royal Barbecue will be moving to the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., this fall, according to an announcement today.
The American Royal Barbecue will be held Oct. 26-30 this year at the Speedway.
An event that began 36 years ago, the American Royal Barbecue was held for many years at the American Royal complex in the West Bottoms of Kansas City, Mo. Last year it moved to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., where it had more than 600 teams and almost 50,000 people attending.
American Royal officials said a move to the Kansas Speedway was necessary because of the American Royal’s fall scheduling conflicts at the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, Mo., according to a news release from the American Royal.
“The future is bright – and smoke filled – for the World Series of Barbecue,” said Angie Stanland, chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Royal, in a news release. “The American Royal appreciates the partnerships with Arrowhead and now our new partners with the Kansas Speedway.”
Kansas City Chiefs President Mark Donovan said, in the news release, “The 2015 World Series of BBQ was an incredible partnership with Arrowhead and the American Royal. We will continue to partner and support the event with the hope of bringing it back to Arrowhead in the near future.”
Kansas Speedway President Pat Warren said he welcomes the chance to host one of Kansas City’s great annual festivals.
“Every year, people from around the city and around the country circle this event on their calendar,” Warren said. “We’re looking forward to showing all the contestants and fans a great time at our unique venue. Welcome to Kansas Speedway!”
Gov. Sam Brownback’s statement: “We are pleased to welcome the world’s largest barbecue competition in the world to one of the best venues in the region,” Gov. Brownback said. “Competitors and guests will enjoy the hospitality of our state as the 2016 American Royal Barbecue competition comes to the Kansas Speedway in October.”
Kelly Hale, spokeswoman for the Kansas Speedway, said if the event brings in the same number of attendees this fall it could become the second largest event at the Kansas Speedway, after the NASCAR races. The Speedway holds two NASCAR weekend racing events each year.
The Kansas Speedway also is the host for Bikers for Babies, the University of Kansas Hospital Treads and Threads, and multiple walks for charity, including Down Syndrome, she said. There is also the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Speedway, and buildings often are rented out to various groups in the area.
This fall’s Kansas Speedway race date is Oct. 14-16, two weeks before the American Royal Barbecue is scheduled, she added.