Kansas City Advances $500 Million Convention Center Plan

The city council approved a resolution moving forward the Convention Center and Municipal Auditorium Vision Plan.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in City Hall

Wide view of a modern civic convention hall exterior with a stone plaza, limestone and glass facade, and bare trees under clear autumn sky. — Kansas City advanced a $500 million Convention Center and Municipal Auditorium Vision Plan after council approved a resolution sponsored by Mayor Quinton Lucas. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you think Kansas City should spend heavily on restoring its convention and event venues?

Kansas City approved a resolution sponsored by Mayor Quinton Lucas advancing the Kansas City Convention Center and Municipal Auditorium Vision Plan. The plan follows voter approval of a $100 million bond in August that set aside about $75 million for the convention complex.

Why it matters

The plan aims to modernize convention and entertainment facilities so they remain competitive with newer venues over the coming decades. Its phased approach begins with restoration work at key Kansas City facilities.

Voters approved a $100 million bond in August, with about $75 million set aside for the convention complex. The vision plan estimates $500 million in convention space improvements over the next decade.

The players

Quinton Lucas

Quinton Lucas is the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, who sponsored the resolution advancing the convention center plan.

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is the municipal government that approved the resolution and will fund the plan through voter-approved bonds.

The details

The plan begins with restoration of convention facilities at Bartle Hall, Municipal Auditorium and the Music Hall. The first phase includes $75 million in improvements to modernize arena seating, restrooms and concessions, along with accessibility upgrades and exterior work connecting the building to Barney Allis Plaza.

August 2026: Voters approved the $100 million convention complex bond.
November 5, 2026: The council approved the Vision Plan resolution on Thursday.
2028: First phase improvements are targeted for completion.
Next decade: About $500 million in planned convention space improvements.

City Hall Context

The resolution follows the August voter-approved $100 million bond, which Kansas City residents endorsed to fund the convention complex. The council's action converts that voter authorization into a formal plan with phased priorities.

Residents will see the convention and entertainment facilities at Municipal Auditorium, Bartle Hall and the Music Hall upgraded over time with funds from the approved bond. The first phase of improvements is targeted for 2028, affecting how visitors and local events use these venues.

The takeaway

Voter approval of the bond has translated into a formal council-backed plan that sets a timeline for modernizing Kansas City's convention facilities. Residents should watch for the 2028 first-phase milestone as an indicator of how the broader decade-long effort progresses.