Renderings: World Cup innovation-networking hub, FIFA fan fest plans unveiled by KC organizers

Short-term fun, long-term gains. It’s a win-win for Kansas City, local leaders said Thursday, announcing new high-profile concepts set to take the pitch alongside the summer 2026 FIFA World Cup — games that could redefine the region in front of a global audience.

A rendering of the vibrant welcoming space at 111 Nichols Rd. on the Country Club Plaza for visitors to the KCHouse activation during Kansas City’s 2026 World Cup festivities; image courtesy of Populous

“The KC region has an incredible opportunity to showcase our market’s business environment, sector strengths and lifestyle amenities when the world arrives next summer,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council during the KCADC’s annual meeting Thursday.

Among the just-unveiled strategies: the KCHouse — a venue envisioned as a world-class hospitality and business attraction on the Country Club Plaza where global leaders, civic stakeholders and business partners can meet, connect and represent Kansas City when as many as 650,000 visitors arrive in the region.

Through curated events and B2B engagements, the KCHouse space is expected to connect the Kansas City area’s leading industries — including design, engineering, construction, tech, agriculture, advanced manufacturing and sports — with international investors and trade partners.

“Our team has helped attract nearly $10.5 billion of new capital investment into the region over the past five years,” Cowden said. “We will use KCHouse to further this momentum as we host high-level decision-makers representing the world’s largest brands, opening their eyes to the benefits of doing business here.”

The three-floor venue at 111 Nichols Rd. (the former Forever 21 building) will operate by invitation only, according to KCADC, offering a curated exhibition floor on the first level for partners to showcase their stories, a flexible lounge featuring private meeting pods and a stage for global thought leadership presentations, and a rooftop outdoor space featuring cocktail hours paired with jazz and acoustic performances.

In addition to global executives, investors and innovators, sponsors of KCHouse gain exclusive access and position their brands at the very center of Kansas City’s global moment. The partnerships offer a platform to showcase the region’s expertise in architecture, engineering, sports and agriculture while aligning with the world’s most-watched sporting competition.

“KCHouse is where the world will discover the heart of Kansas City, and where our region will forge new global relationships that fuel growth long after the final whistle,” said Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026, a nonprofit organization overseeing strategy and delivering host city duties for the World Cup in Kansas City. “This initiative embodies our goal of delivering measurable, sustained and long-term impact for our civic, public and private partners who share a vision to elevate the entire region on a global stage.”

On stage at the KCADC annual meeting: David Campbell, chairman and CEO, Evergy, and co-chair, KCADC; Jenny Housley, president, Blue KC, and incoming co-chair, KCADC; and Mark Jorgenson, president of the KC2026 board of directors; photo courtesy of KCADC

Designed by the Kansas City firm Populous, KCHouse is expected to highlight the region’s vibrant creative economy, showcasing local chefs, brewers, distillers, artists and entertainers, offering visiting executives and partners an authentic experience of the city’s cultural and culinary excellence.

“KCHouse will blend modern sophistication with the warmth and texture of the Midwest, highlighting Kansas City’s reputation as the country’s most entrepreneurial city,” the KCADC said in a press release.

“Every detail, from the architecture to the art and cuisine, will tell the story of Kansas City’s makers, innovators and dreamers,” added Kelly Holton, senior principal at Populous. “We are proud to design a space that welcomes entrepreneurs and reflects the best of our city’s industries, talent, creativity and hospitality. KCHouse will be rooted in Kansas City and designed for the world as a gathering place for those shaping what’s next.”

Rendering of the sprawling FIFA Fan Festival planned for the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City; image courtesy of Populous

Populous also designed the just-released plans for a FIFA Fan Festival on the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City — a sprawling popup venue set to be open in June and July 2026 on any day a match is happening in Kansas City, as well as any day Team USA is playing in any host city across North America.

(The 2026 World Cup is expected to be the biggest sporting event ever, with three host countries — U.S., Mexico, and Canada — 16 host cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format.)

The fan festival at Kansas City’s Liberty Memorial grounds will be a free event for fans to experience the vibrant cultures, talented artists and diverse cuisines of the region. Capacity is set at 25,000 visitors at a time.

A rendering of the KC Heart Gateway, a 65-foot-tall heart-shaped entrance to the National WWI Museum and Memorial’s south lawn; image courtesy of Populous

Visitors will notably be greeted by a 65-foot-tall heart-shaped entrance to the memorial’s south lawn, dubbed The KC Heart Gateway.

“The KC Heart isn’t just a beloved symbol — it’s a spirit. It stands for a city that opens its arms to the world, where inclusion is instinctive, and community runs deep,” organizers said.

Click here to learn more about the FIFA Fan Festival.

Visualizations of the KC Heart appear on stage during the KCADC’s annual meeting in Kansas City; photo courtesy of KCADC

Rendering of the live main stage at the planned FIFA Fan Festival, set to feature showings of the biggest games and live artist performances; image courtesy of Populous

Along with Populous and fellow official World Cup supporter Nestlé Purina PetCare, KC2026 hailed the work of Black & Veatch specifically to bring the fan festival experience to reality.

“Black & Veatch shares our deep commitment to the region — a belief in our people, our places and our promise,” said Kramer. “We’re united by a shared work ethic, authentic hospitality and a get-it-done mindset that has allowed us to boldly plan for next summer’s World Cup.”

Having contributed to the infrastructure development of Kansas City and the region for more than a century, Black & Veatch leaders and employees are proud to support the first-of-a-kind FIFA World Cup experience at Liberty Memorial, said Mario Azar, chairman and CEO of the firm.

“This is an international celebration of sports culture, and our employee owners are thrilled to welcome the world to Kansas City and bring the excitement of the World Cup to the Midwest,” he said.